The Truth About Resume Lies

Why you shouldn't fudge facts--and how to make the truth sound better

by Charles Purdy, Yahoo! HotJobs

Desperate times often call for desperate measures--and in a brutal employment market, some job seekers may be tempted to falsify their work or education history in order to make themselves more attractive to potential employers. HireRight.com, a provider of on-demand employment background screening, recently announced its finding that 34 percent of job applicants lie on resumes. And when Yahoo! HotJobs recently asked people whether they'd ever lied in a job interview, 41 percent said yes.

But job seekers who stretch the truth are playing an ever riskier game, according to Dennis Nason, CEO of the recruiting firm Nason & Nason. "Background checks are much easier now," he says. "It's all pretty open on the Internet." And many companies and recruiters now employ background-check providers who specialize in sniffing out untruths.

The gray area between fact and fiction
Almost all career experts advise job seekers to customize their resumes to individual jobs they apply for. So where's the line between self-promotion and falsehood? Some experts say it can be hard to define. Tim McIntyre, president and CEO of The Executive Search Group explains, "The dictionary says that 'embellish' means 'to make beautiful,' which is when a candidate is great at self-promotion. The difference between that and a damaging lie varies by industry and profession."

For instance, financial executives are subject to more-intense scrutiny than many people going into entry-level positions that don't involve money.

But at any point in your career, stretching the truth is risky--especially on official job applications. Brad Karsh, president and founder of JobBound, doesn't see a gray area at all: "Any uncovered fib is liable to severely damage your reputation in the workplace."

Just the facts
According to Forbes.com, some of the most common resume lies are about education, employment dates, job titles, and technical skills. And these are the same resume areas that, if you fudge them, can cause problems--the Internet has made it much easier to verify a person's claims about education, for instance.

And Nason notes that firms like his are sleuthing far beyond a candidate's given references to corroborate his or her claims--for instance, finding and contacting the candidate's former colleagues via LinkedIn.

Career expert Liz Ryan says, "People think that they can make up and embellish details about companies that have been sold or gone out of business. But LinkedIn, Facebook, and our wide-ranging networks will put a quick stop to most efforts to change history in our favor."

Truth or consequences
And even if false credentials get you the job, those untruths may come back to haunt you.

"You're subject to immediate dismissal if it turns out you misrepresented something," says Nason.

If your company is acquired, for instance, the acquirer's HR department may perform an audit of its new employees. Or your background may be checked when you apply for a promotion. Former Notre Dame football coach George O'Leary and celebrity chef Robert Irvine are just two of the people who've made news in recent years when false background information cost them high-profile jobs.

Keeping it real
Career experts have practical advice on how to truthfully deal with some of the problems that may cause people to lie--follow it, and you'll be able to sleep more easily at night.

1. Gaps of unemployment: Just because you weren't getting paid for something doesn't mean you weren't being productive and gaining skills. If you volunteered or worked on your own projects, say, you should speak to those things on your resume, in a cover letter, or in an interview.

2. Misrepresentative titles: "Job seekers need to lay claim to projects and results that may not have been in their formal job descriptions," says Ryan. "Here's an example. An office manager I know took on HR in her company after the HR coordinator left. The office manager's title was never changed, but she took on responsibility for payroll, benefits, and so on. She put all of that on her resume, and changed her title to 'Office Manager (with HR responsibilities).' That's a perfectly good way for her to brand herself, because she hasn't changed the title to something her old employer wouldn't recognize or support."

3. Past salaries: Ryan also has advice on how to deal with discussing a past salary you feel was too low--she notes that you should arm yourself with information about the salary you should be earning.

4. Skills: If you're tempted to lie about having a technical skill, for instance, the right thing to do is clear: gain that skill by enrolling in a class (or committing to learning it on your own). Then you'll be able to truthfully explain to potential employers that you're working on getting up-to-speed in that area.

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Job Seekers' Outrageous Lies

by Maria Hanson, LiveCareer

Move over, Pinocchio. A recent study suggests that more than 30 percent of job applicants lie or exaggerate the truth on their resumes. And some experts claim that this number might be as high as 50 percent.

Recruiters are adamant that lying never pays and that most liars will eventually get caught. "The reason employers get so upset about a candidate lying isn't about the lie itself," says Elizabeth Lions, a former recruiter and the author of "Recession Proof Yourself." "It points to a much deeper issue--a character flaw. It's an integrity issue."

For more on the consequences of lying on your resume or a job application, and for tips on making the truth work better, check out "The Truth About Resume Lies."

Some lies are bigger than others--here are six real-life whoppers. (None of the candidates got the jobs.)

The lying "nun"
When Renata Rafferty decided to verify the former employment of a new employee who was acting odd, she made some discoveries. The new hire was not, in fact, a former nun or a former IT executive for IBM in China, as she had claimed to be.

When Rafferty confronted her, the woman said she was in a federal witness-protection program. The truth? "She was a very well-educated nut job," says Rafferty.

A matter of degrees
A lot of job seekers lie about degrees. Revi Goldwasser, founder of Wall Street Personnel, had one candidate who took it even further. Goldwasser asked for verification of her college degree. "She sent me a copy of her picture on graduation day--which was really her high school graduation, not college--and her diploma and transcripts. They were fake."

Plagiarism is the sincerest form of flattery
Angela Sinickas interviewed a woman for a communications consultant position. During the interview, the candidate showed her a handbook she claimed to have written and designed. "It was an absolute, complete rip-off of an award winning handbook I had done. When I quietly pulled out a copy of my original handbook, she turned pale and said, 'I guess I don't get the job.'"

Lying through the air
Jake Robertson, of Primerica Financial Services, met with a job seeker to discuss working together. "He showed up in an airline pilot's uniform and placed his flight cap prominently on the table." Impressive? At first. But it turns out he was kicked out of the airline business 15 years earlier." And this was just the beginning of a long series of lies and odd behavior. "Last time I heard from him, he was in prison," says Robertson.

It's a living
A candidate once told Lauren Moreau, of Treeline, Inc., that her W2 amount for the previous year was $400,000. After running a W2 check, it turned out she had earned only $80,000. When confronted, "she claimed the other $320K was made under the table."

A very secret service
Public-relations guru Richard Laermer fielded a candidate who claimed to have worked for the secret service. Further checking revealed this to be a lie. "He said, 'Well it was like the secret service.' We later found out that every job on his resume was a lie."

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Should Employees Downgrade Job and Salary Expectations for Next Few Years?

Clearview Counterpoint Debate

by Glassdoor

Unemployment statistics are reminding us again and again this isn't just any old recession. Globalization, increased computing power, and a dramatic shift in consumer spending have organizations radically overhauling the way they get work done. Companies are getting significant increases in productivity while customer demand remains weak. So companies are likely to hire fewer people coming out of this recession, and employment may remain depressed until beyond 2012.

This has real-world implications for job seekers and job holders. Some people have advised downgrading job-search expectations and playing it safe with career moves. Others have recommended the exact opposite approach, saying now is the time to reinvent yourself and your career.

We put this topic to the Glassdoor Clearview Collection, a panel of career and workplace experts, to find out:

• Should employees play it safe, hold on to their jobs, and not jump ship until better days? Or should employees and job seekers seize the day and make big career moves?
• What's realistic and what's idealistic in terms of a job switch?
• What is your advice for today's and tomorrow's workforce?

LIZ RYAN
I wouldn't say that employees overall should downgrade their expectations for their career paths. Some will need to do that, and others won't. It's all about value. Just as there are industries that are counter-cyclical (sales actually rise during recessionary times--for instance, movie theatres did great business in 2009), there are skills that are more in demand during tough times. The job seekers who hold those skills will be calling the shots. Many or most salespeople, for instance, won't need to temper their salary expectations. If they've cracked the code and can get clients to buy, they'll be hot commodities on the job market. The theme for the coming decade will be "Know Your Value." It doesn't work anymore for job seekers to say, "I create databases" or "I answer customer service calls." Starting now, job seekers and job holders need to know how they help an employer thrive in its marketplace.

Job seekers don't need to lower their expectations pre-emptively. What they need to do is understand their place in the economic picture. They need a great answer to the question "What problem do you solve?"

JOHN SUMSER
Anyone who has survived a series of layoffs understands that the real victims are the ones who keep their jobs. Blessed with severance packages and the opportunity to reinvent themselves, the "redundant" are given a major career advantage when they walk out the door. Sure it hurts in the beginning, but being required to reinvent yourself trumps deciding to do it, any day of the week.

For most people, it's easier to be pushed than it is to jump.

That said, your soul will rot out of your body if you keep a job to avoid risk. The price for staying when you should go is a diminishing ability to look yourself in the mirror. How can you not hate your family (and how can they not feel it) when you are "doing it for them"? It's a pathetic example to set.

In a lifetime, there are only a few opportunities for complete reinvention. Most of them qualify as personal disasters. Every once in a while, the economy makes spectacular failure a common thing. When that happens, you get a complete pass on the career consequences of a radical departure.

The people who stand still are failing by trying to hold onto the sand that flows through their fingers. As they try to maintain their grasp on security, they create a field of opportunity for those who refuse to believe that there is any such thing. It's easy to stand out when everyone else is hiding under their desks hoping to avoid screwing up.

RUSTY RUEFF
There are four glasses: the glass that is half empty, the glass that is half full, the glass that is overflowing, and the glass that is out to kill you. People feel like today's job market is the glass that is out to kill them, when in fact there is still good opportunity if you are prudent in your risk-taking.

Now is not the time to "run away" from a job. Many job changes are catalyzed by unhappiness or discontent. Take ten deep breaths before you make that motivated move. That said, there are jobs to "run to" because they are doing what you want to do, where you want to do it, with the people you want to do it with.

If after more due diligence than usual, counsel from at least four people who know you well, and a long talk with yourself in the shower, you hear "Yes!" then go for it.

However, if that kind of job is not out there for you now, spend this time homing in on your dream job to be sure that, when the music starts again, your next move is on the right path.

There is a glass that is overflowing out there for all of us!

HANK STRINGER
Seize the day--prepare now for better days!

Company productivity continues to increase, and when the market improves, those productivity increases will result in needed profits. Companies will hire in an improving market--but not in all the industries and markets we know, or at the levels we are accustomed to. We don't have to lower our career expectations--but we may be well suited to take the opportunity to consider changing them.
Seize the day today to prepare for:

1. New work: prepare for a new career in a field with legs--like healthcare, energy, and agriculture.

2. New life: downsize, move to the countryside, collect rainwater, and plant a garden, or move to an affordable city, move downtown, and work virtually.

3. New entrepreneurial opportunities: there are always opportunities for entrepreneurs--embrace and learn to be one or provide the services they need. Just remember to solve a problem for a large enough market to sustain you.

Necessity is the mother of invention--if necessary, why not invent a new career and way of life?

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13 Weird Workplace Excuses

by Maria Hanson, LiveCareer

A recent survey suggests that about one-third of workers have called in sick with fake illnesses or other not-so-legit excuses. Those excuses run the gamut from the standard "I'm a little under the weather" to the sublimely ridiculous. And since few employers verify reasons given for missing work, employees get away with some rather interesting fabrications.

But truth is indeed often stranger than fiction when it comes to work excuses. Here are a dozen doozies--some oddball-but-legitimate, some boldfaced whoppers--our experts and others in the workforce have heard.

"My pants won't close."--as told to Kathi Elster, career advisor and a coauthor of "Working for You Isn't Working for Me."

"A mouse ate my truck."--as told by Tom Reid, now of Certified Contracting Solutions. (It was true: a mouse had made a nest in his truck and had chewed the insulation off most of the wires under the hood.)

"My car literally exploded."--as told to restaurant manager Alice Martinez.

"I lost my shoe."--as told to nurse Karon Gibson, the author of "Nurses on Our Own."

"I'd love to, but I have no time. Do you know that I iron my husband's underwear?"--as told to Sandra E. Lamb, the author of "How to Write It."

"All my clothes are in the laundry."--as told to Kathi Elster.

"My dog is having puppies."--as told to customer sales manager Steven Green. (The truth? The employee's male dog did not have puppies.)

"My front door won't open."--also told to Elster.

"My brother cut off his finger while slicing a bagel."--as heard by account coordinator Kristi Eells. (It turns out the employee just had a hangover.)

"I have to bail my mother out of jail."--as told to talent agent Kate Bacon Dunne.

"I thought today was yesterday and that I had another day."--as told to Elster.

"My tools have all suddenly rusted and I can't do the job after all."--as told to Sarah Mai.

"My dog will rip the new couch apart."--as told to office manager Michael J. Morris.

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Reroute Your Career

Need a change? Use your current knowledge and expertise to take your career on a "detour."

by Larry Buhl, for Yahoo! HotJobs

If your career prospects have stalled or you've lost your passion for your work, you might not need to make a radical change to new industry. You may be able to take an alternative route in your current career--by using your industry expertise in a new way, advises career expert and author Laurence Shatkin. "In almost any industry where you have an insider's knowledge, you can make a change within that field and maybe earn more," he says.

If want to reroute your career, you could:

Teach it.
Teachers are everywhere, in schools, in colleges, and in all types of companies. Larger corporations use trainers to instruct employees in company procedures, benefits, and software usage. Being able to conduct distance learning or other kinds of online instruction may make you especially marketable. You'll likely need some sort of teaching experience, whether one-on-one, in a classroom, or in a seminar. In some training careers, additional coursework and certification are necessary.

For example, a sales manager could become a sales-training manager, or a software-development manager could become an IT trainer.

Advocate it.
Activists, trade organizers, and lobbyists are all advocates. You can find these opportunities with public-relations firms, trade organizations, unions, and special-interest groups. Public-service jobs for consumer advocates are available at all levels of government, from federal to municipal. An assertive personality helps, and industry expertise is often more important than a specific college degree. To gain experience and visibility, you can start by volunteering with a citizens' group or a nonprofit consumer organization.

For example, a malpractice attorney could become a healthcare lobbyist, or a food-industry sales manager could become a food-safety expert.

Communicate it.
There are many opportunities to communicate what you know. For instance, technical writing is a growing and lucrative field for professionals in fields such as software development, computer-systems design, and engineering. Insiders in a variety of industries could write about it for advertising agencies or as non-fiction authors. Beef up your writing skills with a class or two, and gain experience by volunteering to write for industry newsletters. Or start a blog (but post news about your industry, not about your cat.)

For example, a computer programmer could become a software-documentation writer, or a financial planner could become a financial reporter.

Sell it.
If you have a strong understanding of your industry, there may be something you could sell. If you don't think you're the "selling type," look for opportunities to be a broker, bringing buyers and sellers together. Sales jobs usually don't require specific college degrees (although some industries require licenses). More important are persuasiveness and persistence. Some experience with sales, as well as a thick skin and a gregarious personality, will also help.

For instance, an insurance-claims adjuster could become an insurance broker, or a retail-industry marketing manager could become a sales manager.

Analyze it.
Federal and state governments, large universities, and major industries have think tanks employing a variety of policy analysts in a wide range of topics, such as public health, education, and water rights, just to name a few. For-profit companies need a variety of analysts to forecast budgets, assess risks, and project changes in the industry. Extensive experience in some aspect of your field and a related (usually advanced) degree are required. Experience in conducting research or writing and presenting reports is helpful.

For instance, a tax accountant could become a corporate analyst, or a hospital administrator could become a disease-prevention policy analyst.

Preparing to take a detour
Making a career change within the same industry may be easier than starting a new career, but it does require some homework. Experts suggest several ways to prepare:

Gain experience now. "Experience can come not only from paid work, but also from hobbies, volunteering, and independent consulting, so it's important to actually do what you're wanting to do before you take the career side step," says career coach Deborah Brown-Volkman.

Get training. This doesn't necessarily mean an extra degree or even a year of classroom time. It could mean a one-day sales seminar or an evening writing class.

Tailor your resume. Brown-Volkman says that professionals must use their resume to demonstrate that they can do the job they want to have. "If a recruiter, for example, wants to shift to training, maybe he or she has done some teaching already, such as a seminar or informal training of associates. It's all valid."

Start where you work. If you have a job, the easiest way to take a new route is to do so within your own company, according to Shatkin. "The people already know you and presumably like you. If there is a need for someone in the position you want, they may even train you to do it on their dime."

When you're taking your career in a new direction, the key is flexibility and creative thinking, Shatkin adds. "If there's a need for your expertise, there's a career for you--even if you have to design your own career."

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6 Quick-Change Careers

by Larry Buhl, for Yahoo! HotJobs

If you want to make a career change but think that doing so would take too much time or be too difficult, you may not have been contemplating the right careers. Jobs in many satisfying, well-paying, and growing fields require less preparation than you might think.

These six "quick-change careers" can be ideal for people who need a new career path but don't have years to spend on earning new degrees. Some require only volunteer work and self-teaching to get in the door; others can be prepared for in your spare time before you make the leap.

1. Wellness coach
Similar to fitness coaches, wellness coaches support clients in quitting smoking, reducing stress, eating more healthily, and avoiding lifestyle-related diseases. Wellness coaches can find work with larger companies, clinics, and health insurers, although most are hired directly by a client. Those with two years' experience in the field can earn from $25 to $50 and up per hour, according to Margaret Moore, founder of Wellcoaches.com.

What you'll need: Right now no formal degrees or credentials are required, says Moore: "People who enter the field have a passion for wellness, often starting with their own personal struggles to overcome physical problems, and they immerse themselves in learning on their own." She adds that it's ideal for a mid-career professional who doesn't mind working part-time on building a practice before jumping in full-time.

More information: Institute of Coaching and Wellcoaches.com

2. Personal chef
If you're a great cook but can't stand restaurants, you might consider working as a personal chef. You could earn between $200 and $400 per day, although pay rate depends on what you negotiate with your client. Private chefs may also receive free lodging, meals, and transportation. It could be a cushy job or a very demanding one--it all depends on your boss's needs and temperament.

What you'll need: You have to know how to cook well; where you gain that knowledge is not so important. Organizational skills and trustworthiness are helpful. It's also wise to get some additional training in areas such as sanitation, safe food handling and storage, economical use of ingredients, and basic accounting. You'll need to network with wealthy (and busy) people to find jobs.

More information: American Personal and Private Chef Association

3. Patient advocate
The complexity of healthcare has created opportunities for professionals who can educate patients and family members about dealing with healthcare providers, doctors, insurance companies, and so on. The patient advocate, a liaison between the patient and the system, is most often self-employed, but some work for hospitals, clinics, and insurers. Salaries range from about $25,000 to more than $70,000.

What you'll need: A thorough understanding of hospitals, insurers, and patients is necessary. Advocates often come from the business side (insurance and billing) or the medical side (nursing is common). Others are social workers or even people who have navigated the healthcare industry for a loved one.

More information: National Patient Advocacy Foundation

4. Prospect researcher
Many nonprofits rely on researchers to find likely donors; the researchers uncover information about a wealthy prospect's hobbies, likes and dislikes, and past donations. Salaries range from $30,000 for newbies up to $80,000 for seasoned pros.

What you'll need: It helps to have volunteered for a nonprofit, but if you have a strong record of business development, or if you've done political-campaign research and outreach, you'll have a leg up. Strong research skills and social media savvy are required.

More information: Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement

5. Solar-energy system installer
One of the most promising entry-level green-collar jobs has recently had a boost from federal and local solar tax credits. Any mechanically minded or green-oriented person can make a good installer. Starting pay is about $12 per hour and rises to about $20 for those with a few years' experience. Installers can earn more by becoming supervisors who bid for jobs, coordinate product and labor at job sites, and help workers solve problems.

What you'll need: Installers need sun block, good overall health, and physical stamina. The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners offers classes and certification. Training and apprenticeship can take about two years--less if you have a background in renewable energy, electrical systems, or construction. Jobs can be found with roofing companies and building contractors.

More information: North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners

6. Emergency manager
Federal, state, and local governments, as well as hospitals, universities, and some corporations, now use full-time emergency managers to evaluate risks, prepare for disasters, and plan for recovery from disasters. Specialists in large cities can pull in nearly six figures a year, while a county worker in an area with a low population might make do with a small stipend.

What you'll need: The field is becoming more formal, but right now no specific degree or credential is necessary for most jobs, according to Pam L'Heureux, president of the International Association of Emergency Managers: "Any skills you already have, such as planning, writing documents, computer programming, and even archiving can be useful." She adds that the best way to get your foot in the door is to volunteer for the local or county emergency-management offices or fire departments.

More information: International Association of Emergency Managers

Source: Salary estimates are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, PayScale.com, and/or professional organizations.

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Between Friends: 5 Networking No-Nos

by Caroline M.L. Potter, Yahoo! HotJobs

The rise of social networking has broken down barriers between our personal and our professional lives, and many people are benefiting. But when you turn to one of your buddies for a professional assist with a career opportunity, beware of these networking-with-friends mistakes.

1. Starting with the ask. Even if you're desperate, don't begin your conversations with a cry for help. Networking and career expert Liz Ryan explains, "A common networking-with-friends mistake is to start networking from the perspective of 'Here's what you could do for me,' rather than a place of 'I want to hear about what's new with you!'" Friendship is a two-way street. Once your friend feels heard and senses your interest and compassion, she is likely to offer to help you ... because of the friendship 'glue' you've established."

2. Expecting everyone to know your business. Your professional activities and accomplishments are very important--to you. No matter how exciting or upsetting your job or job search is, most of your friends won't recall all the details. Ryan observes, "Many people will say, 'Here's the latest thing I'm up to,' forgetting that our friends can't possibly remember everything we told them the last time we saw them." It's your job to briefly recap where you're at, thus putting your current news into perspective. For example, she says, "Remind your friend, 'I'm not sure you remember that I've been doing home-and-office organizing these days, and just this week....'"

3. Cannibalizing friends' online connections. Are you drooling over the fact that a friend is "Linked In" to a high-level Apple exec? You can tell your friend about your desire to work for Apple, but don't ask for an introduction right away. Instead, Ryan recommends that you fill your friend in on your needs or goals, and then wait for him to offer to forward your resume, for instance. You can politely say at that point, "That would be wonderful, and would you by chance also be comfortable introducing me to [the exec]?" If the friend balks at your request, respect his feelings and don't raise the issue again.

4. Asking for a recommendation without reason. Your friends may be able to speak to a lot of your best qualities and provide character references. But unless you've worked with them in a professional capacity, avoid asking for a professional recommendation. "It's jarring to get a request for a LinkedIn endorsement from someone we know only as a friend and not in professional life," Ryan says. Don't impose by requesting what would surely be a weak endorsement from someone who isn't really acquainted with your work. According to Ryan, this will jeopardize his or her credibility--and possibly your friendship. If someone asks you for an unwarranted endorsement, she suggests simply saying, "I wish I knew your work well enough to recommend you"--and then moving on.

5. Being a friend in need, not in deed. Everyone lets some connections slip away over time, but don't reconnect if you're obviously only seeking a favor. Ryan explains, "My friend Melissa got a call from an old workmate of hers from 20 years ago. 'It's been ages, and I'd love to hear what's new,' he said. Melissa and the long-ago colleague met for lunch; the two of them hadn't even placed their drink orders when he said, 'So, can you get me a job at your employer?'" Check, please! "If you haven't seen someone in a long time, it's highly inappropriate to invite them to lunch only to hit them up for job leads. Networking is an activity that needs to be focused on the other person, not on your needs," Ryan states.

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Future Careers: What's Hot, What's Not

by Gina Pogol, FindtheRightSchool.com

Preparing for a career is a serious business, and the wrong choice can be costly. You don't want to graduate after several years' work only to find that your industry has relocated to China. Technology has affected labor markets in two ways: First, companies jumped on labor-saving devices and processes that allowed them to increase productivity while decreasing labor requirements--that's why the only typesetters and telephone operators you see these days are in the movies. Second, unskilled jobs that were more difficult to automate have been moved overseas.

So what will tomorrow's in-demand jobs be--and which jobs are on their way out?

Not hot: data entry, customer service, and collections
As companies look for ways to save on labor costs, more of them are off-shoring entry-level "knowledge worker" jobs such as customer service, collections, and data entry. Many of these jobs can be handled remotely from countries like India, where English is widely spoken and the educational system is good. The trend is for English-speaking countries with low labor costs to pull these formerly lucrative jobs out of North America.

Hot: avoid off-shoring with these careers
A wise bet is to nail down a career that requires your actual presence--jobs that can't be done from overseas, no matter how inexpensive or brilliant the workers are: for example, doctors, hair stylists, teachers, nurses, auto-repair specialists, and physical therapists. Alternatively, careers that require a high degree of creativity are good choices--for instance, writing, marketing, and advertising. Cultural differences and language barriers will likely prevent most of these industries from moving offshore.

Prepare for top careers
The top careers of the future are not entry-level positions. They require career training in the form of an on-campus or online degree to get started. Here are five careers that are most likely to offer interesting work, loads of opportunity, nice paychecks, and job security.

1. Physical therapy
Physical therapists are health professionals who help people restore physical function and movement, often in consultation with doctors. The education requirements are extensive: in addition to a bachelor's degree, you need to graduate from an accredited master's or doctoral physical therapy program. Job prospects are expected to grow by 30 percent from 2008 to 2018, much faster than average. If you like the idea of making people function and feel better, you may like this career a lot. You'll probably like the pay, too: according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) those at the top earn six-figure incomes.

2. Automotive specialties
Auto specialists do things like mechanical work, collision repair, artistic auto painting, and antique-vehicle restoration; some even work on high-performance race cars. Pay varies widely, but according to the BLS, the best (and most fun!) opportunities go to people with formal career training, which can range from two-year associate's degree programs to bachelor's degrees in mechanical engineering. Top auto-repair specialists earn over $50,000 a year, and those who add mechanical engineering degrees can earn nearly $80,000.

3. Writing
Most working writers have bachelor's degrees in English, journalism, or communications, but other degrees are acceptable in many industries if applicants demonstrate good writing skills. Many work on marketing, instructional, and technical materials; online journalism is popular, too. (Only a few writers pen bestsellers and award-winning screenplays.) Many writers work as freelancers, so business courses can come in handy as well. In-demand professional writers and editors can earn six-figure incomes. There are many opportunities, but competition is keen because many people want to enjoy this career.

4. Legal careers
Legal careers can allow you to work in any area that interests you, including environmental law, estate planning, personal injury, and politics. And there is a career for every education level--from legal-assistant certificate programs to bachelor's degrees in paralegal studies to Juris Doctor (JD) degrees for attorneys. Despite excellent growth in these professions, the BLS states that competition will be tough, and you'll need formal training to grab the best jobs. Earning potential for top-level pros ranges from about $60,000 for legal secretaries and assistants to about $75,000 for paralegals, to hefty six-figure salaries for lawyers.

5. Advertising
Advertising is a sexy profession and a "highly coveted" one, according to the BLS. So of course there's a lot of competition. Advertising, marketing, public-relations, and sales managers are responsible for their companies' market research; marketing strategies; public image; print, online, and TV ads; and more. This job allows a lot of creativity but also brings pressure, long hours, and frequently a lot of travel. Most employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in business, an MBA, or a degree in communications, public relations, or journalism. If you can take the heat, you can pull in a cool salary--top dogs earn over $120,000 a year.

Choosing a career
When you're considering a profession, take a look at trends that drive opportunity. In addition to technology and labor economics, there are social trends to consider--for example, the growing demand for green industry and the aging of the U.S. population. These are just a couple of the factors that can make a career hot--or not.

Gina Pogol writes about a variety of topics and has enjoyed several challenging careers. In addition to working for a decade in mortgage lending, she has worked as a paralegal, a business credit systems consultant, and as an accountant for Deloitte. She graduated with High Distinction from the University of Nevada with a BS in financial management.

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Stay Fit WhileYou Earn: 5 Well-Paid, Physically Demanding Jobs

by Carol Tice, PayScale.com

If you're tired of desk jobs that leave you no time to work out, consider switching to a career where you buff up on the job instead of gaining "cubicle weight." While labor-saving devices have made many jobs easier, there are still plenty of jobs that require physical fitness. Some of them pay quite well, particularly jobs that also expose workers to physical danger, notes career expert Laurence Shatkin, the author of "175 Best Jobs Not Behind a Desk."

Because so many Americans are out of shape, physically fit people have an edge when applying for physically demanding jobs, says Brian Sharkey, a coauthor of the 2008 book "Hard Work." You must be in shape to qualify for many tough jobs, and some jobs, such as firefighter, require passing an annual fitness exam.

Sharkey recommends that if you're out of shape and want a shot at a physically hard job, you allow several months to get in shape. Prospective employers can provide information on the physical requirements for their jobs and in some cases can offer training recommendations. Many people need to build up their strength or work on the aerobic conditioning needed for many tough jobs.

"You need to have endurance to do something like fighting a wildfire all day long," Sharkey says.

Here are some of the best-paying jobs that demand--and help you maintain--physical fitness:

1. Sheet-metal worker
It's sweaty, dangerous work: fabricating all the metal pieces needed in buildings, from downspouts and siding to air-conditioning ducts. Apprentices usually do four or more years of classroom and on-the-job training, and demand is expected to grow by 6 percent in the next decade, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports. Median annual salary: $52,829

2. Police and sheriff's patrol officer
They may have a patrol-cars-and-doughnuts image, but in reality law officers may need to sprint after suspects or wrestle them to the ground. The BLS reports that future demand for officers is expected to grow 8.7 percent. Median annual salary: $50,190

3. Electrician
Working around potentially dangerous electrical wires all day, electricians need strength to bend conduit, climb ladders, and lift heavy objects. They may also need to stoop or kneel for long periods as they wrestle wires into place. As we head into economic recovery, demand for electricians is forecast to soar nearly 12 percent, the BLS says. Apprenticeship programs usually last four years. Shatkin says demand may be better than initially forecast due to the electrical component in booming green technology--electricians are needed to wire solar panels. Median annual salary: $45,524

4. Firefighter
Blazing heat, blinding smoke, irregular hours--what's not to love? Firefighting attracts people who thrive on danger and who can go with the flow. Most firefighters work for local governments. Population growth in coming years will see this occupation grow more than 18 percent. Median annual salary: $44,795

5. Brickmason or blockmason
Bricklaying is one task that's still done by hand--lifting heavy materials into place and stooping or kneeling are common workday activities. Apprentices train for up to four years. The BLS foresees more than 11 percent growth in the field, with particular opportunity for workers with restoration skills. Median annual salary: $40,656

Business reporter Carol Tice contributes to several national and regional business publications.

Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with five to eight years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions, or profit sharing.

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9 Tips for Getting a Promotion

How to move up the career ladder

by Maria Hanson, LiveCareer

Have you been stagnating at work for months--or even years? You're not alone. According to Randstad's 2009 World of Work survey, 83 percent of workers said they feel fortunate just to have a job. And more than half fear for their economic well-being. Survival is the primary goal. Getting a promotion and career advancement are low priorities these days.

"Many people are forgetting about exploring new opportunities within their organization because of this challenging environment," says Eileen Habelow, Randstad's senior vice president of organizational development.

But it doesn't have to be this way. With the right tools, you can get ahead, even in the current climate. Here are some insider tips for moving up the ladder:

1. Have a plan. "The people who get the best jobs have been planning their strategy for one year or more," says Jay Jessup, the author of the personal-branding book "Fame 101." He cites Oprah Winfrey as a perfect example: "She planned her success every step of the way, and is still thinking ahead five years," he says.

2. Ask for what you want. "If you want a promotion, you need to clearly ask for it. If you don't ask, you won't get it," says Laura Browne, the author of "Why Can't You Communicate Like Me? How Smart Women Get Results at Work." "No one is just going to hand you a promotion."

3. Develop yourself into your next role. Long before you even ask for a promotion, observe the kind of job you want, figure out what it takes to do the job well, and work toward that, advises Sandra Naiman, the author of "The High Achiever's Secret Codebook: The Unwritten Rules for Success at Work." "When appropriate, take on the tasks of the job you're aiming for. But be careful not to step on any professional toes," she says.

4. Bring out your inner Tigger. "The woods are full of Eeyores," says Dan Bowling, former senior vice president of human resources at Coca-Cola Enterprises. "Bosses don't want these negative types. They want Tiggers--the energetic, can-do people who tackle the problem with a smile. Those are the ones who get ahead."

5. Show your face. Telecommuting is not a good idea when you're hoping for a promotion. Neither is communicating mostly by email with bosses and coworkers. "It's all about 'face time,'" says John McKee, CEO of BusinessSuccessCoach.net. "Communicating in person whenever possible is imperative for success seekers."

6. Remember the bottom line. "In any organization, the people who make the money are the ones who stay employed," says career coach Joan Schramm. "Document your efforts toward this goal and your rate of success, and make sure your boss is aware of them."

7. Replace yourself. "Being 'irreplaceable' can hold you back," says HR professional Jodi R. R. Smith, who teaches a seminar called Promote Yourself. "There are times when managers do not promote great employees due to the time, hassle, and stress of having to train a replacement. If you can, train a potential replacement so this won't be an issue."

8. Dress the part. "Dress for the job you want, not the job you have," advises image consultant Heather Alan, of Trel Style Consulting. "And remember that dark colors are perceived as more authoritative. Even those looking for promotions in the creative field should strive to wear deeper colors."

9. Make your boss look good. "Find out what your boss's boss expects of him, and do what you can to help your boss shine," advises David Wright, the author of "Get a Job! Your Guide to Making Successful Career Moves." "If you help your boss look good to his boss, you look good to your boss."

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6 Surprisingly Dangerous Jobs

by Jean Folger, Investopedia.com

Think "dangerous jobs," and you're likely to come up with fishing and logging, for starters. These occupations have well-known risks, exemplified in reality television shows like Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch" and History Channel's "Ax Men." These jobs are considered hazardous because we all know that people die doing them. But what else makes a job dangerous, aside from the commute? Any type of job that causes a substantial risk of injury or illness, whether seen immediately or through long-term exposure, can be considered dangerous. One doesn't have to get tangled in a fishing net or hit by a falling tree to get hurt at work. Workers can find themselves under extreme stress, in harsh environments, or exposed to chemicals and hazardous pathogens.

The following six professions might not be as well known for being potentially deadly, but they're six surprisingly dangerous.

1. Commercial Pilot
For pilots, a small mistake can have catastrophic consequences. The 2008 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) report found that 83 commercial pilots died while on the job that year. Pilots working in Alaska are at an especially high risk. In fact, the June 6, 1997, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) stated pilots in Alaska were 27 times more likely to suffer an occupational aviation-related fatality from 1990 to 1994. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found that pilot error was to blame in 77 percent of the fatal crashes.

2. Landscaper
The crew that comes once a week to mow your lawn is under considerable risk of suffering a work-related fatality. Landscapers and groundskeepers lost 131 workers during 2008, according to that year's CFOI. Sharp equipment, power tools, chainsaws, environmental hazards, and falls add up to a dangerous job that comes with a much higher than average risk of work-related injury.

3. Baker
Bakeries create yummy treats such as cookies and cakes that we all enjoy. But the temperatures inside the bakery kitchen can exceed 120 degrees. These high temperatures become more dangerous as workers remain in the area without sufficient water or breaks. Extreme heat can lead to truly life-threatening emergencies including heat stroke and fainting. The CFOI indicates that 65 work-related deaths occurred in food-preparation occupations during 2008.

4. Outdoor Recreation Worker
Raft guides, snowboard instructors, hiking guides, and adventure-trip leaders are all exposed to varying degrees of extreme weather conditions and environmental dangers. Heat and cold emergencies, including heat stroke and hypothermia, can quickly become fatal in the backcountry. In addition, these workers are exposed to insect stings, snake bites, falls, and even drowning. The CFOI attributes 11 fatalities during 2008 to tour and travel guides and recreation workers.

5. Building Cleaner
People who are employed as building cleaners find themselves exposed to a host of dangers, including chemicals, sharp objects, falling objects and even mold. The cleaning chemicals and mold exposure can cause asthma attacks, as well as eye, skin, nose, and throat irritation, and can lead to long-term lung disorders. In all, 59 building cleaners died while engaging in building-cleaning occupations, according to the 2008 CFOI.

6. Nurse
Nurses and other health care personnel can come in contact with a variety of blood-borne pathogens while performing daily duties. Although they are trained to prevent exposure, the risk is still there, in the form of contaminated needles, cuts from sharp medical instruments, and exposure to an infected person's blood. Diseases that can be spread by blood-borne pathogens include certain types of hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, and far less common but extremely fatal diseases such as viral hemorrhagic fever. The Centers for Disease Control reported 57 documented cases and 140 possible cases of occupationally acquired HIV infection among health care personnel in the United States from 1981 to 2006.

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Worst Resume Blunders

What can you learn from these dreadful gaffes?

by Maria Hanson, LiveCareer

Your resume should be perfect--with nary an error in sight. But all too often, say employers, resumes are riddled with mistakes.

"Making errors on your resume just screams, 'I'm careless, I don't care to double-check my work or have a friend look it over, and that's exactly the same sloppy, lazy effort I'll give you as my employer,'" says Tony Katsulos, who keeps a file of the worst resume bloopers he's received as head of Jetstream Public Relations.

Here's a look at some cringe-worthy real-life resume gaffes:

1. Careless Mistakes
"Speak, read, and wright English/Spanish."--seen by Angie Beauchamp, Charm Factory manager.

A candidate actually misspelled her own first name, writing "Barbara" as "Barabara."--Mark Gollihur, who managed a video store when he received that application.

A resume objective stated the candidate wanted a job as a nurse. The job she was applying for? Security manager.--Philip Farina, author of "Antiterrorism Careers."

"They write, 'I've researched your company and would be a perfect fit.' And then they call your company by a competitor's name."--Tony Katsulos, who has weeded out this cut-and-paste gaffe many times.

This one says it all: "I'm very detale oriented."--reported by Sharon Armstrong, the author of "The Essential HR Handbook."

Instead of "biological organisms," a university job candidate wrote "biological orgasms."--from Berit Brogaard, associate professor of philosophy and psychology at the University of Missouri, Saint Louis.

"Psychology professor" became "psycho. professor," and "analytic philosophy" became "anal. philosophy."--"Asso. professor" Brogaard has seen these and other abbreviations lead to resume trouble.

Lesson: Be vigilant about spelling, proofread each resume a few times, get someone else to look at your resume for errors, and be wary of abbreviations.

2. TMI
"GPA: 2.0"--seen by Kristen Barrett, Spark Design.

A man appeared to be the perfect candidate for an accounting position. "But at the bottom he mentioned he would not be able to interview immediately as he was serving time for embezzlement."--seen by Jodi R. R. Smith, of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting.

"I was fired."--Robin Ryan, the author of "Winning Resumes," says this is one of the most common blunders she comes across.

A few clients have actually put their social security numbers on their resumes.--Mike Ballard, Turning Points Research.

A recent graduate sent a resume that came through with track changes and comments from a variety of people. Adding to the blunder: "Some of the changes were not for the better."--Debbie Mitchell, president, Mullen Public Relations.

Lesson: What you exclude from your resume is almost as important as what you include. Don't include any information that doesn't contribute--or worse, detracts--from your overall selling message. Keep in mind that your resume is just your ticket to interview-land. You will have plenty of opportunities to provide employers with a complete picture once you've landed an interview.

3. Bad Moves
A candidate included photos of himself at the gym and a glamour photo with his resume for an administrative position with a financial services provider.--from Philip Farina, who also runs Manta Security Management Recruiters.

Email address: Bostoncutiee22@example.com.--seen by Stacey Schmidt, a recruiter at Vistaprint.

A job-seeker used a free return-address sticker from an endangered-wildlife nonprofit on his resume instead of typing his contact information out.--seen by Philip Farina.

A person reduced his cover letter and three-page resume onto one page and then faxed it.--seen by Penny Miller, Venture HRO.

Lesson: Even the littlest details--both in your resume and how you use your resume--send a message to hiring managers. Be clear about what image you're trying to get across in your resume, and make sure everything you say and do is consistent with this image.

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Top-Paying Entry-Level Jobs For College Grads

An in-depth look for college grads entering the job market

by Meghan Casserly, Forbes.com

This year is on course to be a tough one for college grads looking to enter the job market.

Even more so than last year: A study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), which tracks recruitment data, shows a 1.7 percent decline in the salaries offered for entry-level positions when compared with this time last year. The Class of 2010 can expect an average offer of $47,673, compared with $48,515 in 2009.

But as it turns out, there are careers where the median starting salary is above the norm. To identify which occupations offer the brightest fiscal futures for the Class of 2010, ForbesWoman teamed up with PayScale, a leader in compensation-data collection. PayScale's research looked at data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the U.S. Census Bureau, and their own user-supplied salary data of starting salaries for employees with bachelor's degrees from more than 2,000 colleges and universities nationwide.

Engineering careers on top
If you've trained for a career in engineering, you stand to be well compensated right out of the gate. The median starting salary for people with a bachelor's degree in this field is $53,400. It is the top-paying field on our list.

Engineering careers offer a range of more than 25 specific fields that include environmental engineering, which deals with the prevention and control of environmental health hazards, and civic engineering, which involves city building structures, road systems, and facilities.

Many engineers are now also involved in the business of going green, an area of the job market that is on the rise. The BLS says that while job openings are expected to grow at a national average of 11 percent over the next decade, engineering prospects will be excellent in certain specialties, specifically biomedical engineering, which should experience a 72 percent growth in the same time period.

Doing the math for higher salaries
While all of the jobs we've measured for salary are bachelor's-level careers, it's interesting to note that the top 10 best-paying entry-level occupations are math-heavy. "These top 10 fields are occupations in which we see the practical application of math," says Al Lee, director of quantitative analysis at PayScale. Jobs "where you take mathematic computing and turn it into something useful are jobs where we're seeing high starting salaries," he adds.

Also in the top 10 are the math- and tech-heavy occupations of information technology (number four, with a $46,000 median annual starting salary), biotech and pharmaceuticals (number five, at $43,900), insurance (number seven, at $40,800), and business and finance (number nine, at $40,200).

A tough job market
Chelsea Mouta, a 22-year-old 2010 grad from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., is both excited and nervous to get into the job market. A business major fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, Mouta hopes to get into international marketing.

"My biggest concern is that many people from the class of 2009 are still unemployed," she says. With overwhelming pools of applicants for few jobs, many 2010 graduates are happy to accept any job offer that comes their way, often landing them much lower salaries than they would have hoped for in a more flush economy.

Mouta hopes to see an entry level salary of around $45,000--as she says, "just something that is livable in a major city." But with a marketing career offering a median starting salary of $37,500 and landing at number 13 on our list of best-paying careers, she may find herself disappointed. Still, she says she has been trying to avoid forming too many expectations with regards to salary "because it is such a tough job market, and it's only my first job."

Starting in the middle
Most of the midlevel occupations (like marketing) on our list are often considered gray- or blue-collar professions. Health care (number 11, with a $39,100 median starting salary), human resources (number 14, at $37,300), and education (number 19, at $33,400) fall into this area. Also included is transportation services, (number 15, at $37,100), a broad occupational group that includes air-traffic controllers, commercial pilots, ship captains, and transportation inspectors. These "educated service jobs" tend to pay salaries that make for comfortable but not opulent lifestyles.

In looking at where certain occupations fall on our list, Lee points out that the lower-salaried occupations tend to be those where bachelor's recipients end up after failed job searches in their professions of choice. Retail, last on our list (number 29, at $27,400), hires employees without high school diplomas as well as college graduates. "If anyone can do a job," says Lee, "the pay will be low."

Weighing the options
Meanwhile, the job market has other variables to consider. "More profitable, thriving companies within an industry will pay higher salaries for what seems like the same job," says Lee. "For example, an administrative assistant at Microsoft will be paid much more than they might [be] at a small business or a business that isn't in a period of growth." Administrative and clerical work ranks number 26, at $30,200.

Position, industry, or company? It's hard to say which factor is the most important to consider when searching for a well-paying career out of college. Regardless, "It's best to be in a position where your role is one of revenue as opposed to overhead," says Lee. "Revenue-generating positions are rewarded [with] much higher salaries than those considered an overhead expense, no matter how crucial their role is in the day-to-day."

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Best Jobs for People Who Love to Travel

by Joanna Boydak, LiveCareer

On-the-job traveling may not be as luxurious as you think. Just ask any business executive whose life revolves around airline schedules--and for whom jet lag is a constant state of being. But if traveling is your passion, there are many jobs that will allow you to combine work and pleasure.

Traveling for work is not just for pilots and flight attendants. Here are 10 high-paying jobs with travel perks:

1. Overseas English Teacher (median annual salary: $67,723)
Because English is the world's language of business communication, native English speakers can go just about anywhere to teach English through a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) program. Compensation varies greatly between countries (depending on the cost of living and other factors), but in larger cities you could earn as much as or more than a teacher in the U.S.

2. Yoga Instructor (median annual salary: $46,722)
World yoga tours are currently all the rage, allowing yoga gurus the opportunity to unroll their mats in exotic destinations such as Thailand, Indonesia, Sweden, and Argentina. Join one of the many yoga tour agencies for a chance to stretch yourself in must-see locations throughout the world.

3. Sommelier (median annual salary: $34,801)
Professional sommeliers may work in restaurants, resorts, or casinos, or on cruise ships. They often travel the world tasting different wines, writing reviews, and serving as representatives at wine-industry events and tastings.

4. Travel Nurse (median annual salary: $61,324)
Travel nursing gives registered nurses the opportunity to take short-term positions lasting from three months to one year in prestigious medical facilities all over the country. These traveling positions allow flexibility and give RNs a chance to check out new locations.

5. Auditor (median annual salary: $68,846)
People who say that accounting is a boring job may be unaware of the travel perks. Auditors employed at public accounting firms, foreign-owned businesses, and government agencies with multiple branches spend more than 50 percent of their time traveling. They enjoy the excitement of a changing work environment and get to experience interesting cultures in different cities all over the world.

6. Nanny (median annual salary: $30,477)
Traveling with the right family can be an excellent way to explore the world. Nanny positions often don't require an extensive background in childcare. In addition to your salary and room and board, travel expenses are usually covered as well.

7. Travel Writer (median annual salary: $46,297)
If you're a writer who loves to travel, working as a freelance travel writer is an obvious career choice. Break into this industry by submitting pieces to small regional magazines or newspapers. Establish your reputation by entering travel-writing contests or starting your own blog.

8. Cruise Ship Director (median annual salary: $40,995)
Plan and manage onboard guest entertainment and activities while sailing the open seas. In 2009, cruises outscored all types of vacations in terms of consumer attraction. As cruises become more popular, cruise ship director jobs are growing.

9. Oil Rig Driller (median annual salary: $50,178)
Drills usually have to be maintained seven days a week in a wide variety of locations. So drillers travel frequently, with all accommodations and meals paid for. And drillers enjoy the luxury of a two-week-on, three-week-off schedule.

10. International Lawyer (median annual salary: $118,477)
As financial transactions and business acquisitions are no longer restricted to a single country, the demand for international lawyers has increased. International lawyers travel to some of the largest and most exciting cities in the world such as New York, London, and Tokyo.

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Men and Women Bosses Still Judged Differently

More Americans say that they would rather work for a man. Why?

by Willow Duttge, Forbes.com

"You know, you're not a man," Akio Morita, Sony's cofounder and former chairman of the board, said to one of the firm's senior female executives over dinner one night.

"Nope, that's absolutely true," the woman, a single divorced mother with three children, replied.

"But you're not a woman."

"Uh, OK. What am I?"

"You're in a third category."

Right, she's a woman boss.

It was some two decades ago that Barbara Annis, now of Barbara Annis & Associates, a firm that advises blue-chip companies on gender diversity and inclusiveness, had that conversation with the late "god of Sony." But not a lot has changed in terms of how we view female leaders.

The real surprise came when the ForbesWoman Facebook community was canvassed: "Would you rather work for a man or a woman?" The majority replied, "A man any day of the week," to use the words of Stephanie Rovengo.

How women and men are perceived differently
Are men actually better bosses? Are women doing something wrong?

It's not just anecdotal that male bosses are perceived to be better at their jobs. "It's a general cultural phenomenon, the preference for men leaders and bosses," says Alice Eagly, Ph.D., a social psychology professor at Northwestern University.

According to the most recent Gallup data, from 2006, 34 percent of men preferred a male boss, while 10 percent preferred a female boss, and 40 percent of women preferred a male boss, while 26 percent preferred a female boss. (The remaining respondents of both genders had no preference.)

One explanation for the across-the-board preference of male leaders may be deeply instilled gender stereotypes held by both men and women. "The cultural model of a leader is masculine," says Eagly. "Leaders are thought to be people who are dominant and competitive and take-charge, and are confident. Those kinds of qualities are ascribed to men far more than women. Women are ascribed to be nice. We are, above all, nice."

Adopting "masculine" traits can backfire
As a result, many executive women have adopted male personality traits. This is what Annis, who is chair of the Women's Leadership Board at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, did in the early 1980s as she worked her way up the corporate ladder at Sony. "They thought I wasn't assertive, and so they sent me for assertiveness training for women, called 'guerrilla war tactics for women in business,'" she says, recalling how they taught her to lower and project her voice.

Twenty years later, through her firm's work, she still notices women distancing themselves from their female identities, just trying to be one of the guys.

But when women take on male characteristics, they are viewed more negatively than a man doing the exact same thing, says Robin Ely, Ph.D., a professor of organizational behavior at Harvard Business School.

Be careful not to take on the worst characteristics of other male bosses and become overly competitive, overly individualistic, or overly warrior-like in trying to prove yourself and to fit in, says professor Ella L.J. Edmonson Bell, Ph.D., an associate professor at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College and the author of "Career GPS: Strategies for Women Navigating the New Corporate Landscape."

Pitfalls for women execs
Ely references an experiment where MBA students were asked to evaluate the likability, style, competence, and hiring appeal of the main characters in two case studies.

The results were striking. Even though the two case studies were exactly the same except for the gender of the main character, the male character was found to be more likable and more likely to be hired. The woman was considered power hungry, and the more aggressive that students perceived her to be, the more they disliked her. It's tired but true: Executive women are damned if they act like men, and damned if they don't.

Authenticity and clear communication are key
The better bet? Authenticity inspires people and forms solid relationships with others, says Edmonson Bell. Good male leaders are authentic. They talk about being a Marine; they talk about their maleness. "Being a woman doesn't have to be a big deal; it's just a part of who you are. You don't have to hide it," she says.

As a leader, it's critical that you provide your employees with clear and precise feedback and declare your intentions as a boss. Directly tell your subordinates, "I really want you to experience me as a source of empowerment and support in getting your job done. Now here's what you need to do to make that happen."

Women see fewer opportunities
To complicate things further, relationships between female bosses and female subordinates can be particularly prickly, especially in firms with few women at the top. In the male-dominated professional service firms Ely has studied, female executives universally condemned the most senior women. "They described them as poor role models; they felt no ability to identify with them on the basis of shared gender," she says.

But in firms with partnerships composed of 15 percent to 20 percent women, the women leaders were universally applauded. Ely attributes this phenomenon in part to the stress of being a token. "You're always going to experience heightened performance pressure. You're going to be a lot more visible ... I think the junior women look up, and [their] expectation is that these women need to be everything." In addition, female leaders in a male-dominated firm may not be comfortable lobbying for gender equality out of fear it could compromise their own success, she says.

When there are fewer women at the top, this communicates to lower-level women that only a small percentage of the opportunity in the firm is available to them, says Edmondson Bell. This heightens the competition between women as they all fight for the same few spots.

Connect at every level
Edmondson Bell's advice is to connect with other women lower down on the totem poll. These women can be sources of intel, constructive feedback, and emotional strength. "Every good woman needs an 'atta-girl' group."

Annis adds: If you're a pioneer woman who has paved the road to the top, be sure to allow others to travel on it. Just because one woman had to scratch and claw her way to the top doesn't mean the rest of the women on your team or company should have to.

The truth about women bosses
None of this, though, means women are actually worse bosses than men. And they just might be better. The January 2009 issue of the Harvard Business Review looked at how female and male leaders were rated in 360-degree feedback reviews on leadership competencies as defined by Insead's Global Leadership Center in Fontainebleau Cedex, France. The eight competencies were envisioning, energizing, designing and aligning, rewarding and feedback, team building, outside orientation, tenacity, and emotional intelligence. It ends up that female leaders were rated higher on every dimension but one: envisioning, which is "the ability to recognize new opportunities and trends in the environment and develop a new strategic direction for an enterprise."

It's well worth noting that the leadership competencies measured in the study were not traditional masculine-associated traits such as competitiveness, self-confidence, and dominance. This could be an example of a new trend. There is some evidence, says Eagly, that the "cultural model of leadership is becoming more androgynous ... the old top-down style, command-and-control is no longer as popular."

The bottom line is women don't necessarily make worse bosses. They are just perceived as such.

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Too Scared to Take a Vacation from Work?

You're not alone. Here's what to do about it.

by Tara Weiss, Forbes.com

It always used to be that on the Friday before Memorial Day weekend, almost everyone left early--if they went in to work at all. But as Paul Newman, an assistant vice president for human resources, looked around his office at Oppenheimer Funds in Manhattan on that day last year, he saw a lot more people at their desks than he had in the past.

"Typically we'd have a fair amount of senior associates and executives extending the holiday weekend. We're just not seeing that," he says. "Employees want to impress their bosses by limiting their vacation time."

Employees have watched their colleagues get laid off, and they've read the unceasing reports of downsizing practically everywhere; as a result, many are too scared or feel too guilty to take their allotted vacation time. Instead of recharging in a hammock or at the beach, they're putting their heads down and concentrating on the heftier workload they've had since so many of their colleagues were let go--and they're hoping their bosses notice.

"I hear a lot of guilt from people about the idea of taking off for a few days," says Eric Winegardner, a vice president at Monster.com. "They say they're grateful just to have their jobs."

But if you are now doing more work without additional compensation, time off isn't just a luxury, it's a necessity. "If employees don't take adequate time to recharge their batteries, they can exhaust themselves," Newman says, "which can lead to health-related issues and making silly mistakes."

Consider long weekends
There are ways to take vacation while keeping the guilt to a minimum. Many people say they don't start feeling completely relaxed until they've already been out for a full week. But if that's not an option, consider taking long weekends instead.

Schedule check-ins
If your company frowns on employees being totally cut off from the office, see if you can set up specific times when you'll be available to talk with your boss, team and clients or answer e-mails. Mornings generally make the most sense; you can participate in a conference call and then get on with your vacation. As for e-mail, specifically mention in your out-of-office message when you'll be checking it each day.

Delegate
If you'll be away for a week or more, be sure to find someone on the team who can be the point person for questions on your jobs and projects. Offer to fill in for them when they go on vacation. Or, Newman recommends, delegate some tasks to junior members of your team. That's a way to give them responsibility that can begin to prepare them for an eventual move up the corporate ladder. Let your boss and other teammates know exactly who will handle what.

"You want to build internal bench strength," Newman says. "It's a way you can recharge your batteries and develop junior staffers at the same time."

Communicate with your manager
Avoid taking time off when your boss goes on vacation, since his or her absence can be an opportunity for you to shine. Meet with the boss before his or her vacation and ask if there's anything you can take the lead on.

When you do take time off, give your manager a reason why. For instance, you might say, "My daughter is graduating from college in California, so the family is traveling for that, and then we're adding a few extra days for a family vacation." Or, "I'd like to take the week off to go to the shore with my family, so I can spend some quality time with my wife and kids."

While you're away from the office, don't dwell on what's going on there. "Be mentally disciplined, and stay focused on the vacation," says Baird Brightman, an organizational psychologist who is president of Worklife Strategies, in Sudbury, Mass. "When you start to obsess or worry about work, you need to say to yourself, 'My purpose now is to be on vacation.' Refocus your attention on the present."

Remember, you've earned it.

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