What winter means to you probably depends on where you live. You know the postcard scenes of families enjoying a warm fireplace as pure snow falls outside the window? That might be accurate in some towns, but in many Southern locales, that’s about as realistic as “Jurassic Park.” In some of the Midwestern and Northern regions where snow does blanket the ground, it’s not quite as pretty as you’d think. The ivory snow looks more like mushy charcoal after enough cars drive over it.

Some people love wearing shorts in January. Others can’t imagine walking to the mailbox in fewer than seven layers of clothing. Different wintry strokes for different bundled-up folks.

Whether you want to be waist-deep in the embrace of Jack Frost or you want to be baking under the sun, you can find work when the vernal equinox rolls around.

Here are five jobs that are popular during winter:

1. Accountants
What they do: Accountants are knowledgeable on various financial fronts, including tax issues.
Why they’re popular in winter: Although many people begrudgingly file their taxes as close to April 15 as possible, many do it as soon as they get all the necessary documents. Beginning in January, when W-2 forms are sent to employees, accountants are busy helping their clients navigate all the messy forms and confusing jargon.
Salary: $54,440

2. Cruise line passenger attendants
What they do: On cruise ships, attendants see that passengers have everything they need to enjoy their voyage. They might help guests with accommodations or assist with group activities.
Why they’re popular in winter: Ask anyone who lives in a painfully cold climate where the winters stretch on for an eternity, and he’ll tell you that by February, you need to see some sunlight. That’s why so many people book cruises in the midst of winter. They get out of their gloomy city and onto a bright, sunny boat deck.
Salary: $23,211

3. Personal trainers
What they do: Work with clients to set fitness goals and help them achieve those goals through exercise at fitness centers or private gyms.
Why they’re popular in winter: People worry about their weight during all four seasons, but on Jan. 1, many people vow to get better about eating right and exercising. Of course most people don’t stick to these promises, but for the first few months of the year, the gyms are packed with clients eager to begin anew.
Salary: $46,049

4. Snowplow operators
What they do: Snowplow operators clear streets, highways and paths so that snow doesn’t prevent drivers and pedestrians from getting around.
Why they’re popular in winter: Well, it’s hard to use a snowplow in any season other than winter.
Salary: $33,799

5. Tow-truck drivers
What they do: Tow-truck drivers haul vehicles that have broken down or been wrecked.
Why they’re popular in winter: Snow and ice wreak havoc on cars, and even the best drivers can end up with a sputtering engine on the side of the road. That’s where tow-truck drivers come to the rescue.
Salary: $39,373

Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/abalderrama.

Although the economy is showing signs of recovery, there are still millions of people looking for work. Although full-time employment may be hard to come by, job seekers can look for a short-term reprieve during the last few months of the year.

Many companies, typically retailers, hire an abundance of seasonal workers to prepare for the boost in activity during the holiday season. The National Retail Federation reports that in 2008, the average monthly employment during the holiday season was 15.5 million workers. Retailers hired an additional 231,000 workers for the holiday season last year. Although these numbers are lower than in previous years, companies know that they still will experience increased traffic in the coming months and plan to staff accordingly.

Toys”R”Us, for example, announced that they are hiring approximately 35,000 seasonal employees in its stores nationwide. This number is equal to the total work force hired during each of the previous two holiday seasons. Dan Caspersen, executive vice president of human resources at Toys”R”Us, says that the company looks to its employees to provide expert assistance for those looking for the perfect gift.

“Because we are in the toy business 365 days a year, our sales associates know toys and are dedicated to providing gift-givers with recommendations for products that are right for kids of all ages, abilities and interests,” he says. “We’re looking for hard-working, reliable individuals who enjoy working as part of a team and want to provide customers with memorable store experiences.”

If you’re looking for seasonal employment this holiday season, here are 10 companies that are hiring now:

1. AT&T
Industry: Communications
Number of openings: 1000+
Seasonal positions available: Retail sales associates; store managers; and sales support
Location: Nationwide

2. A Wireless
Industry: Telecommunications
Number of openings: 250+
Seasonal positions available: Store managers; sales consultants; district managers; information technology; customer service
Location: Nationwide

3. Blockbuster
Industry: Entertainment
Number of openings: 1000+
Seasonal positions available: Retail sales associates; store managers
Location: Nationwide

4. hhgregg
Industry: Appliance and electronics retail
Number of openings: 800+
Seasonal positions available: Appliance and electronics sales
Location: Indiana; Ohio; Kentucky; Alabama; Georgia; Florida; North Carolina; South Carolina; Tennessee

5. Hickory Farms
Industry: Specialty retail
Number of openings: 4,000
Seasonal positions available: Sales associate
Location: Nationwide, shopping malls

6. Macy’s
Industry: Retail
Number of openings: 1,000 +
Seasonal positions available: Part-time season retail help in gift wrap, sales associates, etc.
Location: Nationwide

7. Olan Mills Studio
Industry: Studio photography
Number of openings: 100+
Seasonal positions available: Photographers; portrait sales; customer service
Location: Ala., Ga., Pa., Ky., Tenn., N.C., Ind., Mich.

8. RadioShack
Industry: Electronics sales
Number of openings: 1000
Seasonal positions available: Retail sales associates
Location: 250 cities

9. Toys”R”Us
Industry: Specialty retail
Number of openings: 35,000
Seasonal positions available: Management positions; sales associates, including cashiers, shelf stockers and customer service roles; and back-of-house stock opportunities
Location: Nationwide

10. UPS
Industry: Shipping and distribution
Number of openings: 200+
Seasonal positions available: Package delivery drivers; tractor trailer driver
Location: Nationwide

Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ.

Judi,

What you are going through is not uncommon. Countless people have been faced with this same dilemma.  People returning to the workforce after an absence have multiple worries: “Will I have to prove myself all over again?” “How do I explain the gap in employment?” “What if I lack the required skills or education?”

It sounds like you are driven and motivated, but right now job seekers need all the help they can get. You want make sure you are looking at all your possibilities … including some you might not have though of. Here are several things you can do to get your foot in the door or start earning a paycheck while developing skills to add to your resume:

1. Maximize your cover letter and resume. Your cover letter highlights your key accomplishments and gives you an opportunity to answer any questions about an employment gap. Put your resume into a functional format (click for an example) that highlights your skills instead of a chronologicalone that lists your jobs starting with the most recent.

2. Network. Join professional networking sites like Brightfuse and LinkedIn. Look for groups to join that reflect your background or job interest. (For example, search the term “mom”.) The more you network, the more likely you are to meet people who are in a similar situation … or who have been in your situation and are now hiring.

3. Stay informed. Stay abreast of new trends, technology and developments in your industry by attending seminars and courses to prove your time off doesn’t put you at a disadvantage. Research the company, job or industry BEFORE you apply to a job and incorporate that information into each cover letter.

4. Remain open to all possibilities, even if the job title, salary and benefits may not be exactly what you were seeking. Holiday hiring season is in full swing. Try searching using the terms “seasonal” or “holiday.” Even though there are fewer openings this year and these jobs are typically temporary, there are employers who extend permanent offers to seasonal staff. Or consider direct sales like Avon, Stella and Dot or Wine Shop at Home.

5. Work with a professional. Recruiters at staffing firms like Robert Half and Kelly Services have their fingers on the pulse of the job market and work with employers to fill all types of jobs. They can also provide useful feedback on your resume and interview skills.

Click on these links for some additional articles that might be helpful to you:

It’s been 10 years since my last job search
http://www.primecb.com/its-been-10-years-since-my-last-job-searchwhat-do-i-do/?siteid=cbworkbuzz

Worried about gaps on your resume?
http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-1911-Cover-Letters-Resumes-Worried-About-the-Gaps-on-Your-Résumé/?siteid=cbworkbuzz

Dealing with gaps in your resume and cover letter
http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-1111-Cover-Letters-Resumes-Dealing-With-Gaps-in-Your-Resume-and-Cover-Letter/?siteid=cbworkbuzz

Can you relate to Judith’s story? What advice would you give her?

Related posts:

1. Ask the Work Buzz – Questions Answered Maya asks: “I understand that it is best to address…
2. Ask The Work Buzz! Breaking into an industry with the ‘wrong’ background Here’s what Zaina’s asking us: I am a hospitality senior…
3. Ask The Work Buzz! How Do I Land an Interview? Jim writes: What do I need to do to just…

Your idea of extreme sports may be watching three football games at once at the local sports bar or playing more than 18 holes of golf in a day. You may think there is nothing to learn from people who jump out of planes or hang off the sides of mountains. That would be wrong. While you may have no interest in participating in extreme sports, you can still gain valuable insights from successful business people who do.

I’m a world record skydiver, M.B.A and former corporate chief operating officer. My co-author, Maryann Karinch, is an adventure racer, former corporate manager and the author of 16 books. Our careers span both business and extreme sports. We found 40 highly successful senior executives and entrepreneurs who are also accomplished extreme athletes to share their success insight with us.

More than half of these athletes and executives are presidents or CEOs. One-third are entrepreneurs and one-third are women. They are an extraordinary group. Think of them as CEOs who also have climbed Mt. Everest, because in some cases they have. The result is our book “Business Lessons from the Edge.”

So, what can you learn from these amazing high achievers? A lot. Here are some of the key lessons from the book that can benefit you:

Respect the challenge
Whether they’re climbing one of the world’s highest mountains, competing in an aerobatics competition or trying to wrestle a major account away from a competitor, athletes and executives respect the challenge they’re facing. They do not take on life-threatening activities or critical business challenges lightly.

You should do the same. When you respect the challenge you’re facing, you give it the weight it deserves. You seek all the right advice. You don’t go after it ill-prepared. You give it the effort it requires to be successful.

Don’t go overboard. Don’t make a challenge larger than it really is and allow it to intimidate you. Just respect it. By respecting it, you will significantly increase the chances of prevailing over it.

Practice extreme preparation
A logical extension of respecting the challenge is practicing extreme preparation. The athletes and executives in “Business Lessons from the Edge” do exactly that. In both sport and business, they engage the challenge exceedingly well prepared so that very little is left to chance. They identify every imaginable outcome and how they will respond to it. In sports, they practice and condition. In business, they do their research and rehearse. By the time the competition starts, they are better prepared than their competitor whether it’s an auto race, a strategy session or a sales presentation.

Extreme preparation will always serve you well. How do you know you have prepared enough? When you and your team cannot come up with a single contingency you have not addressed.

Honor your passion
A third common trait of the highly successful athletes and executives in “Business Lessons from the Edge” is that they honor their passion. They are keenly aware of what excites them and they incorporate it into their working lives as much as possible. They know that passion leads to commitment, which leads to higher performance.

Your first step is to identity your passions. What are you exceptionally good at? What activities are so engaging that they almost don’t seem like work? These are clues to your passions.

With your passions identified, the next step is to work to utilize them as much as possible in your work. If that is not possible today, rest easy. Work toward blending them into your work as you move forward. Keep them foremost in your mind when your consider career options or even your next assignment.

While you may have no plans to ride a bull, trek to the North Pole or even compete in a triathlon, you can still learn a lot from people who do and have also been very successful in their careers. When you respect the challenge, practice extreme preparation and honor your passion you will win the most important race — the race to be personally successful and fulfilled.

Jim McCormick is the co-author of Business Lessons from the Edge www.BusinessLessonsFromTheEdge.com, the author of The Power of Risk and the editor of 365 Daily Doses of Courage. Jim draws on his experience at a World Record and North Pole skydiver, MBA and former corporate Chief Operating Officer to help teams and individuals move past self-imposed limitations through presentations, seminars and performance coaching. You can contact him at www.TakeRisks.com

If life were a movie, we’d hear flighty music as we stroll down the street. When we give a powerful speech, elaborate orchestral strings would swell and people would probably break into applause. When we fall in love, soft acoustic guitar would strum while we gaze in our sweetheart’s eyes.

Sadly, life isn’t a movie. We’re not as pretty as celebrities, we don’t have their bank accounts and the only person who wants our signature is the delivery driver asking us to sign for a package. And our soundtracks? At work it’s the random coughs and sneezes of the sick guy two rows over; the incessant ring of a phone; the boss yelling at you.

Luckily, plenty of jobs exist that let you put on some headphones or turn on the radio so you don’t have to hear those mundane and distracting noises. And we’re not just talking about a select group of people. Workers in a variety of fields are bringing a little music into the workplace to stay focused.

Soundtrack for your imagination
If anyone needs music, creative professionals are the ones. Although you might immediately think of painters and writers, jobs that require imagination and creativity can be found in some unexpected places.

“I am a landscape designer, and [music] really helped with the creative juices,” says Rebecca Ives of Gardens by Rebecca. “A co-worker turned me in to [online radio service] Pandora, but depending on the ‘theme’ of the design I am working on, I may stick in a CD or just listen to a local radio station.”

Of course, artistic workers need some inspiration, and music seems to be an expected component of the job.

“I am currently working as a marketing manager [as a designer, writer and PR person] where it seems to be accepted without any problem,” says Elise Roy of Business Health Services. “However, I used to be a lawyer and definitely noticed that it raised more eyebrows in that field because you’re supposed to always display a more serious and professional appearance.”

While appearances definitely matter in all industries, some are more forgiving than others. Emily Coleman works for Obviouslee Marketing, where her colleagues use Pandora and their own portable music devices to listen to music or public radio. Luckily, her workplace has plenty of private offices so that one person’s music doesn’t disturb others. Or so Coleman thought.

“I like to sing in my office, and until recently thought that no one could hear me,” she says. “Last week one of my interns told me that she liked my singing voice, so at least I try to keep it down on that front, now.”

Unlikely listeners
Creative types aren’t the only ones using music to get through the workday. Eugene Smolenskiy is a software engineer who worked at a mobile handset corporation and now works at a financial software firm. In both positions he used music — and even a shock jock’s radio program — to help get the job done.

“My musical preference always centered around death metal and 90’s grunge [and] alternative,” Smolenskiy says. When he needs to concentrate more, he puts on Mozart.

For other workers, music is a way to find solace in a workday that can be tough to get through. For Bonnie Gerard, a business development specialist at Knowledge Institute, music combats frustrating encounters during cold calls.

“As you may suspect, I come across some not-so-polite people on the other end of the phone when doing sales prospecting,” Gerard explains. “If I wasn’t able to listen to music through the Internet to offset some of the harassment I get, I’d go nuts.” Instead of going the headset route, she’s hooked up speakers to her computer and listens to whatever music suits her mood.

Cherie K. Miller works at an Atlanta-area university and has relied on Internet radio since she began working there. For her, music is a necessary way to maintain some order on a campus full of 22,800 students.

“I use the music to screen conversations I shouldn’t be overhearing,” she says. It also keeps her on task and helps her bond with other people in the office. “I’ve had many people comment when they’ve sat across the desk from me that it’s been years since they heard that song. And they go all nostalgic, which is kind of nice.”

What is everyone listening to?
As you might expect, there is no one act or genre that is universally enjoyed by all workers. Ask anyone what they listen to at work, and you’ll get a variety of answers. Here is what some professionals throughout the country are listening to:

• Pink Floyd
• Van Halen
• Leonard Cohen
• Tom Waits
• Earth Wind & Fire
• Steely Dan
• Kings of Leon
• Grateful Dead
• Britney Spears
• Queen
• Celtic music
• Classical composers
• Contemporary Christian artists
• Rush
• Journey

Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/abalderrama.

After months of sending résumés, interviewing and networking, you’ve found a job. You’re excited, particularly in this employment market, but you’re also a little nervous. Not only will the people, policies and procedures be new to you, but you’ll also have to adjust to a different routine — one that involves once again setting the alarm for 6 a.m.

Following are some tips to help you get back in the swing of things and successfully prepare for your new role:

Take some time
You probably have a routine you’ve followed since you’ve been out of work — or perhaps a lack of routine was your routine. If you have the flexibility, give yourself a week, or at least a few days, to prepare for the transition. You might start waking up earlier to get used to your new schedule or plan a trip to the new museum exhibit you’ve been hoping to catch. However, you choose to spend your time, your goal should be to start your new position well rested and ready to go.

Conduct more research
You probably learned a good deal about your new employer in preparation for the job interview. Now that you’re hired, look for additional information about the firm on the Web and ask your boss for materials that might help you prepare for your new role, such as the employee handbook or background on a large project you’ll be contributing to right away. Also tap your network to see if you have any connections to current employees.

Think about the details
Before you start your new role, take care of all the little things, like bringing your clothes to the cleaners or doing a dry run of your commute. Though small, these tasks are important, and you don’t want them to slip through the cracks. After all, you wouldn’t want to be late on your first day of work because you didn’t realize there was construction on your commute route.

Talk to the boss
It’s essential that you and your manager are on the same page once you start your new job. Plan to meet with your supervisor during the first few days to discuss your responsibilities and how your position fits into the grand scheme of things. Ask what your priorities should be and how your performance will be evaluated.

Assess the culture
In your new role, spend some time studying the work habits of your colleagues. Note when people arrive and leave, the preferred communication style and whether people take work home. Adjust your own habits accordingly.

Connect with colleagues
Make a point of getting to know those with whom you’ll be working. That means speaking to them for a longer period of time than the introduction you’ll likely get on your first day. You might, for instance, arrange to meet a member of your team for coffee or lunch for a more extended conversation. Your goal is twofold: You want to learn specifics about the other person’s role, how his or her responsibilities impact your own and how you can most effectively work together. At the same time, you also want to get to know him or her on a personal level — after all, you’ll be working together every day. While you want to focus first on your immediate team, don’t limit yourself to these individuals — it’s helpful to get to know people you’ll interact with in other departments as well.

Don’t overdo it
Begin your new position with a can-do attitude and a desire to pitch in where needed. But don’t bite off more than you can chew. You need time to get acclimated to the company and position. Let your supervisor know when you’re ready to take on more, but don’t volunteer for new projects if you’re not completely confident you can handle the extra work. Although you want to be perceived as a go-getter, failing to meet expectations at the outset will have the opposite effect.

When starting a new position, first impressions count, and by preparing for the transition ahead of time, you’re more likely to begin on the right foot.

Robert Half International is the world’s first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com.

Job security has become a bit of a professional artifact. It existed at one time, and your parents or grandparents can attest to it. You probably didn’t witness it firsthand, but the stories they tell are fascinating. If you showed up on time, worked hard and delivered results, you didn’t worry about your job. And if you had a college education? Well, you could pretty much bronze your nameplate because you weren’t going anywhere.

Then the world changed and workers realized they could be gone tomorrow. It sounds a bit like a disaster movie, but it’s the truth. You might think your job’s pretty safe, and chances are your hunch is right, but you probably wouldn’t bet your life savings on it.

No one can guarantee you a surefire way to keep your job forever. What I can tell you is that a proven asset for professionals is education. Not just a degree in business if you want to go into sales, or in accounting if you want to be a CPA. While both are good paths that work for many people, you should also consider other educational credentials that augment your experience.

A bonus degree
A relevant college education is often a prerequisite just to land an interview, but that alone won’t guarantee you the job. You need skills, experience and the right qualities for that position. Once you’ve got the job, you still need to pile on the qualifications. That’s what financial educator Christine D. Moriarty did. Moriarty, president of MoneyPeace Inc, earned her credentials as a certified financial planner, which gives her a strong foundation for financial planning. She still went on to earn an M.B.A.

“I knew years ago I wanted to be a certified financial planner,” Moriarty says. “I am glad to have that credential. It is limiting as opposed to the M.B.A which is broader and allows me the more exposure to other careers if I wanted. When I considered an M.B.A I was told by many people that I did not need an M.B.A to be a CFP. However, I found it to be my best credential for job security, insight and flexibility.”

Moriarty had to weigh the cost of earning her M.B.A against the benefit of staying in the professional world with just her CFA credentials. There’s no easy way to measure the true expense of getting the degree, and no single piece of advice can tell you what the right decision is.

“There are endless studies on whether getting an MBA is worth it. Mostly in the financial lingo of opportunity cost which includes missing [out on] employment for two years compared with increased salary,” Moriarty explains. “The ones I have seen say it is not worth it. However, my experience says what you get along with the credential that does impress people is confidence. You have been exposed to many more situations and reviews of industries, which make you better in a host of analytical situations.”

Because she’s self-employed, the business know-how has helped her navigate the fluctuating economy.

Confidence builder
When consultant Helen Cooke decided to pursue an M.S. in organizational development, she was looking for a way to reinvigorate her career, or at least interest in her career. At the time, she found her job lacked the challenge it once had.

“By taking advantage of the company’s tuition reimbursement, I was intellectually stimulated and able to contribute at higher levels while making my job more interesting as I applied new concepts and models,” Cooke says. “It was a win/win and ensured I was contributing as a high performer with new innovations rather than sitting around bored, disgruntled and complaining.”

The job security was less about showing her qualifications and more about stepping up her performance. Not only did she break out of her rut, but she actually became a better worker, which is perhaps the best way to stay employed. Cooke also thinks part of improving your performance comes from confidence in knowing that you are a better worker because of your educational endeavors.

“[Educated workers] know that they are extremely capable of learning and applying new information, comprehend that ongoing development is critical to not losing ground in the workplace, possess the foresight to invest the time and energy (and money if they don’t have an employer who supports ongoing education) and have the fortitude to stick with it despite the usual competing priorities,” she says.

Whether you’re bored at your job, looking to increase your odds of landing a new one or increase job security, you can choose from a variety of educational endeavors to help your job security:

· A new degree (or a first one)
If a degree exists to complement your existing one, or you haven’t yet earned one in your field, now’s a good time to enroll.

· Certification
Depending on your industry, various certifications might be available to help you qualify for new positions. Some certifications, such as the ones you can get at CB Institute, improve skill sets that are transferable to any industry.

· Training
Training courses don’t get you a new acronym to put after your name, but they do keep you current with industry trends and findings. If you want to show an employer that you’re proactive about your job and you’re not just going through the motions, training courses or seminars will do the trick.

Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/abalderrama.

You’re probably due for a promotion, right? I don’t know you, but if you’re like most other workers, you think you deserve a promotion. You are the glue that holds the entire organization together. Everybody knows it. Everybody except your boss, that is. She doesn’t seem to realize that you’re ready and deserving for bigger things.

On top of doing your job (and the jobs of several other colleagues, undoubtedly), you have a new task at hand: proving that you should get a promotion. It’s not just going to land on your desk one day; you need to be proactive. Your perfect opportunity for making your case is when performance review time rolls around, but you should start preparing ahead of time.

Start with a job description
Steve Moore, a team manager with HR outsourcing company Administaff, recommends looking at your job description before you do anything else.

“Using a current job description, assuming one is available, honestly examine your strengths and weaknesses. Devise a plan to make your strengths work in your favor, to not only meet but also exceed expectations,” Moore says. “Then develop a strategy to improve your weak points. It might also be a good practice to work with your manager to set performance objectives based on the job requirements and your personal evaluation.”

If you don’t have a job description, Moore suggests asking your manager for one. Not only do you get the information you need, but you also display initiative to your boss and prove you’re taking an active interest in your career.

Once you get a look at the role’s description and possibly consult with your boss, you should have a good idea whether or not you’re performing the duties and at what level. Whether or not you deserve a promotion is still another issue. Workers who deserve promotions are workers who redefine their roles.

“Focusing only on the tasks necessary to fulfill the role is the strategy to implement if an employee wants to keep his current job,” Moore advises. “Employees who go above and beyond and add more value to the organization are truly poised for a promotion.” Only then will management understand that you’ve taken the position as far as you can and are ready for new challenges.

How to perform well at your review
Annual performance reviews happen in many organizations, and some companies even offer them on a quarterly basis. During these reviews, the boss assesses how an employee has fulfilled job requirements, shown progress and demonstrated areas for improvement. It’s also when conversations about raises and other important career decisions take place. If you want to discuss a promotion, you need to walk into the meeting ready to make your case.

“Start by compiling a file with evidence that displays your ability to perform your current roles and responsibilities,” Moore suggests. “In addition, take time to document all achievements above and beyond expected tasks and provide solid examples of how the company has benefited from your drive to excel.”

The more specific you can be, the better, says Moore. “For example, have your contributions in your current role increased profits or sales, added new clients to the roster or grown the business of existing clients?”

Nevertheless, Moore cautions against putting all of your hopes and energy on just an annual review. The timeline for receiving a promotion might not align with the performance review schedule, so don’t get fixated on the review as the only opportunity you have to get what you want.

“Putting everything on paper and only evaluating it once a year during a performance review can be futile,” Moore says. “Supervisors and employees should work together to create a plan and review it periodically throughout the year. Adjustments should be made when appropriate, but more importantly, supervisors should help employees determine the best approaches to reach milestones.” Feel free to take the initiative to ask your boss for these conversations if he or she hasn’t approached you about it.

Confidence above all else
Workers get understandably nervous and even bashful when discussing their goals. Like salary talks, discussions about promotions might cause you to doubt yourself. Are you deceiving yourself by thinking you deserve a new title? Is your boss going to laugh you out of the office? If you do get what you want, will your colleagues scoff at your step up?

If you have a specific role in mind, learn from the person who currently has or previously had the position. You can set yourself up to get the position by not only exceeding your job duties but also by demonstrating that you have the knowledge and ability to fulfill the requirements. Moore also recommends understanding how the performances of the people in that position have been measured. You’ll have more confidence if you learn as much as you can about the role.

As for the fear that your colleagues and current co-workers might not embrace you with open arms upon your promotion, Moore says to stay focused on your concerns, not theirs.

“As an employee now in a higher position, it’s important to display the abilities your manager rewarded by promoting you,” Moore says. “The skill sets and character traits that make you worthy of this position may have already been noticed by your former colleagues. If not, you will have the opportunity to earn their trust as your talents are revealed over time.”

Ultimately, confidence informs all aspects of a promotion, from the early talks to your first days in the role. And that confidence has to come from you, otherwise no one will take you seriously.

“When seeking a promotion, confidence is key and an employee should not be shy when discussing his goals with a manager or supervisor,” Moore says. “Let the supervisor know your intentions, ask him or her what is needed to reach a higher level, and request consistent advice and guidance. Even if you aren’t granted a promotion this time around, you will have constructive feedback that can help prepare you for the next review.”

Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/abalderrama.

In the current state of our economy, there are more than 15 million unemployed people. That’s 15 million people who are all looking for a little help, whether it’s in the job search, writing a résumé, interview advice, networking or even help finding a new career path.

Many times, people who need job-search help enlist a professional. Career coaches and counselors are usually certified professionals who focus on career exploration or choice, changing career paths or even helping you beef up your résumé and perfect your interview skills.

In the 2009 International Coaching Federation Global Coaching Client Study, 15 percent of coaching clients said career opportunities are the most important reason to enlist a coach, compared to business management (14 percent) and self-esteem or self-confidence (13 percent). The study, which included input from more than 2,000 coaching clients from 64 countries, also cited more than 80 percent of respondents indicating a positive change in areas such as interpersonal skills, work performance and team effectiveness.

Costly counseling
While career coaches can definitely be a useful resource, good advice doesn’t come cheap. In a 2007 study from the ICF, which focused on coaches rather than clients, the average fee for a career coaching session was $161 per hour. Depending on your financial situation and employment status and considering you’re inclined to buy more than one session, that’s a hefty investment.

The question is, is it worth it?

It wasn’t for Nick Pitarys, owner of the Arizona Cheesecake Company. Pitarys says he was extremely disappointed with his experience in hiring a career coach and it was definitely not worth the money.

“After an $8,200 investment and the entire 12-month period, I had nothing to show for it,” he says. “My adviser — also the owner — had way too many clients to satisfy and thus, the effort she applied to me was less than substantial.”

But, there are two sides to every story. While there are a number of people who feel that their investment in a career coach was a waste of money, there are an equal (or greater) number who feel that the investment was money well spent.

Sixty-eight percent of individuals indicated that they had at least made back their initial investment in coaching in increased earnings from personal salaries or investments, or through increased savings through debt reduction, according to the ICF study, which was conducted by Association Resource Centre Inc. and PricewaterhouseCooper LLP.

Here are just a few testimonials from people who felt their career coaches were worth the investment:

“My career coach was most definitely worth the investment. I am an educator with absolutely no business background or experience. She helped me parlay the skills I do have into a successful side business that has grown at a manageable pace. I feel very in-control of the business growth and am able to balance the two jobs with my life, which is a priority for me. My coach provided a calm voice when, internally, I was going a bit crazy. I eagerly anticipated our sessions because I knew I would leave with concrete actions that would assuredly promise success. We could ALL use a coach!” ­- Laura Glaser

“I hired a coach about nine months before I was laid off and it was the best thing I ever did. What I learned about myself was that I was more passionate about starting my own business instead of staying where I was. I never believed I would be laid off — I always had great performance reviews and won the top award at the company a few months prior — but I was. I was also very prepared. Two weeks prior to the layoff announcement I had just given my Web site team the verbal OK. All is well and I couldn’t be happier.” — Thomasina Tafur

“I used a career coach about eight years ago while I was trying to figure out how to continue my career after having two children and being ready to get back to work. The career-coach experience was great for me, in particular where I realized that some aspects of my career to date did not excite me the way other parts of it did. The four sessions ($300/each) helped me to really understand how I wanted to define the next part of my career. I went back in a previous direction with more confidence. I now understood how teaching excited me and how I could teach using some of my newly acquired expertise, and not just go into a traditional classroom. It helped me bring great enthusiasm to the work I’ve chosen for the last eight years. I’m convinced that this subtle ‘ah-ha’ moment made all the difference for me.” — Kate McCauley

If you want to try enlisting a career coach, Dr. Miriam Reiss, career coach, offers these 10 tips:

1. Choose wisely
“[Choosing] a career coach is not like buying a vase. For coaching decisions, you need live contact. Admire great Web sites and recognize that Web sites demonstrate writing, not coaching skills,” Reiss says.

2. Mass solutions won’t work
“Career transition is an individual journey. Beware of one-size-fits-all career programs and vehicles like group coaching,” Reiss says. “These may sound good and fit your budget but ultimately leave you frustrated. There’s no substitute for the undivided time, attention and results you get from having individual coaching sessions.”

3. The difference is in the numbers
The difference between a good career coach and a great coach is about $100-$150 per month — a fraction of one monthly paycheck, Reiss says.

“Unlike some professions, there’s not that much price differential between coaches with a few years of experience and senior coaches. A seasoned career coach can save you months of fruitless wandering,” she says.

4. Look out for “fast” promises
“No career coach, regardless of seasoning, can predict just how long your individual career process will take. Coaches know you don’t like this answer, but that’s the truth,” Reiss says. “Timing considerations include how diligent you will be around fieldwork assignments, what careers you wind up exploring and much more.”

5. Take advantage of sample sessions and don’t over-shop
Some coaches offer a free, introductory session so you can get a feel for each other.

“Decide how many coaches you want to talk to, and then pick your coach,” Reiss advises. “Talking with too many coaches will confuse you, create inner commotion and impede the process.”

Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ.

As any worker knows, juggling a job, family and your personal life is hard enough. Add going to school to the equation and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

“In today’s world, people are overextended, overworked and overstressed. Choosing to take on the dual role of both being an adult student and member of the work force can be difficult in even the most optimal of situations,” says Elizabeth Lasher, coordinator of career counseling for Penn State Continuing Education. “Even with the best-laid plans, life can be pretty unpredictable.”

Despite the difficulty juggling work and school, there are ways to do so successfully, while also acquiring additional skills and benefits.

Rebecca Dobbins, 25, a full-time nursing student and traveling phlebotomist for a medical laboratory in Indiana, wakes up at 2 a.m. to work a full shift before going to school in the afternoon and spending evenings with her son.

“I strongly feel that juggling work and school is worth the stress,” Dobbins says. “I can either go through a few years of hardship for a rewarding career for the rest of my life, or I can remain complacent where I am and never move forward.”

The present economic climate has driven employees to work harder to stay relevant in order to provide themselves more job security. Workers are keeping up with industry trends, networking more, going back to school and renewing their skill sets.

“Keeping skills up to date is essential in this economy. [Workers] need to position themselves for advancement. Many adults have some education, but lack a degree,” Lasher says. “What used to suffice, no longer does. For many, that piece of paper stating that they possess a college degree is the minimum entrance requirement. That’s why many states are pushing adults to go back to school to complete their degrees.”

Lasher also says in the role of a student, adult learners further develop and refine their time management skills and also learn how to delegate and prioritize to make it possible to both work and go to school.

Anne Dean, 33, works full-time in the communications field, logging 40-60 hours per week. She wanted to go back to school for a long time but, in typical fashion, life kept getting in the way. Finally, her supervisor made it a part of her professional development plan, which she says was a “much needed kick in the rear end.” Although the juggle is not ideal, Dean says it’s necessary.

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right? If I can handle a relationship, my child, running my household, volunteering on two boards and one committee, working a full-time job with a lot of after-hours social obligations and school at the same time, it will be cake when I finish and am ‘just working,’” Dean says. “School is teaching me a skill set that I need to advance in my career and the balancing portion is helping me learn to prioritize, barrel through challenges and fulfill commitments — all of those are invaluable assets on the job.”

Jamie Miller, 41, a business owner who went back to school 10 years ago to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in public relations says he most appreciates the time management he learned.

“I have to deal with multiple clients, deadlines and goals. Working while going to school helped me become a better multi-tasker,” he says.

Challenges
There are clear benefits to juggling school and work at the same time, but they don’t come without a cost to the worker attempting the balancing act.

For Dobbins, her biggest challenge was financial.

“College is very expensive, even at a community college campus. As a married worker in a professional field, my family’s combined wages prevent me from receiving any government funded financial aid. However, we do not make enough to be viable during school because of my decreased work hours. Fortunately, I was awarded a very generous scholarship,” she says. “While the scholarship covers tuition, there are many other expenses that add up. For example, I spent close to $2,000 just this semester on books alone.”

One way to overcome financial stresses of school is to explore options with your employer. Many companies offer tuition reimbursement benefits to alleviate the burden. In addition, Dobbins suggests applying for all the financial aid you can.

“Apply for every single scholarship you qualify for. Many scholarships are available and have qualifications for just about every person’s situation,” Dobbins says.

Another clear struggle for workers juggling school and work is finding time.

“There never seems to be enough to fit in work, family, social obligations and everything else,” Dean says. “I do my best to budget my time and make sure the worry about getting my school work done doesn’t overrun the important things like tucking my son into bed at night or enjoying a Friday night at the movies every now and then.”

If you’re a worker trying to balance school and your job, Lasher offers these five tips:

1. Surround yourself with positive people
Miller says that his greatest struggle was balancing family obligations, but that he couldn’t have done it without his wife’s support. “I am fortunate to have an understanding and supportive spouse who helped greatly with the needs at home.”

2. Tell others your plan
Involve family or significant others, friends and even your employer in your objective to go back to school, Lasher says. “Going back to school not only involves you, it involves everyone around you. They all need to buy into your plans and goals.”

3. Be reasonable
“Make your educational plan manageable for you. Maybe that means going to school part time. That’s OK if it works for you,” Lasher says.

4. Don’t beat yourself up
“Do the best you can, and beyond that, let it go. You don’t have to be perfect in everything you do,” Lasher says. “Sometimes we set ourselves up by placing unrealistic expectations on ourselves. We usually hold ourselves to a higher standard than we hold others to.”

5. Know when to say no
“There will be times when something’s got to give and that’s OK. When that happens, talk to an academic adviser to understand your options,” Lasher says. “Bailing out of school is often not the best or only option available.”

Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ.