The Top Five Most In-Demand Construction Jobs For 2015 And Beyond

In a world where the growing

population is demanding more places in which to live, work, shop, and play construction professionals are in high demand. A construction professional plans and develops the buildings, infrastructure, and environment that a growing population needs especially in the sunbelt states, such as Texas, and California where the greatest population gains are expected over the next 10 years as the economy improves. The more money people have will allow for greater spending for houses, shopping centers, and schools, which in turn encourages more building projects.

The following are the top five most in demand construction jobs from 2012 to 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Civil Engineers

Freeways, sewer systems, dams, and bridges rarely occupy public consciousness unless they don't work correctly or there's not enough of them. Civil engineers then step in to design, develop, maintain, and operate these and other public infrastructure projects. Their employment is projected to increase by 19.7 percent, or 53,700 jobs. Aside from population growth, another driving force behind the growth is age. Federal, state, and local budgets now have the money to replace or maintain these structures. In addition, the demand for alternative energy provides opportunities in the construction of solar plants and wind farms.

Architects

Homes, offices, schools, shopping malls, and other buildings are designed and planned by architects, whose employment is expected to grow by 16.8 percent, or 21,400 positions. The design of healthcare facilities will be in high demand as aging baby boomers require more healthcare services. Professionals with knowledge of green design, or sustainable design, will find excellent opportunities. This specialty ensures that structures use resources efficiently, such as by conserving energy and water, or are otherwise friendly toward the environment.

Construction Managers

Construction managers organize, plan, and supervise construction projects by handling workers, resources, and budgets. Their employment is expected to increase by 16.1 percent, or 78,200 jobs. Many will be involved in the retrofitting of buildings to meet newer energy standards, and the improvement of aging infrastructure, such as bridges and sewer systems.

Landscape Architects

The environment around a structure as well as parks and recreational facilities are designed and planned by landscape architects. They take into account the beauty and growth rate of foliage, the durability of man-made structures such as walkways and walls, and the ability of spaces to provide environmental benefits. Their jobs are expected to increase by 2,900, or 14.3 percent. New opportunities will come from the design of green roofs, which improve the environment by planting foliage on top of buildings.

Construction Inspectors

Construction inspectors look at worksites and buildings to ensure that they meet national and local building codes, professional standards, and contract specifications. Their jobs are expected to grow by 12,500 or 12.2 percent, primarily in government and consulting services.

Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing http://www.webuildstaffing.com. To learn more about Michael or to follow his Blog please visit http://www.michaeldesafey.com

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Variables That Could Affect the EKG Technician Compensation Package

An EKG technician is an important member of the professional medical community who is responsible for performing several tasks associated with the diagnosis and treatment of patients who suffer from a wide variety of heart conditions. Although technicians have been a part of the healthcare team for many years, demand for their services has increased dramatically because of the higher prevalence of chronic diet and exercise related illnesses. The specialized nature of this career path makes it one of the highest paying allied health employment options currently available in the healthcare sector. While a technician can expect to earn a competitive salary, there are several important factors that should be considered when attempting to develop a general idea of how much an individual can expect to be paid.

One of the first aspects that an employer will look at when evaluating a potential new employee is the amount of previous patient care experience that the individual has and whether or not this experience was acquired in the cardiovascular specialty. Those who are new to the healthcare field will have a more difficult time trying to compete with experienced applicants who require less training and supervision. A new technician may be able to secure employment in areas where demand is high, but they may receive a less desirable compensation package while they acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to work independently. In general, it is a good idea to work as an aide or medical assistant in a less specialized area of practice before making the transition to the cardiac care unit. This approach will improve one's chances of being hired and might result in a more desirable salary.

Another important factor to consider when developing an accurate earnings projection is the credentials that an applicant has acquired and their relevance to cardiac care. Individuals who have worked in this specialty before are likely to have successfully passed a nationally recognized certification exam that is specific to the EKG technician profession. The fact that a technician is rarely required to become licensed in order to provide direct patient care means that other methods for demonstrating competence, such as certification, can positively influence the amount of money that a medical facility is willing to pay in order to attract qualified applicants. Those who have not worked in the cardiovascular department in the past, but who have experience in a more generalized area of practice are well-advised to complete some form of certification in order to improve their odds of being hired and their earning potential.

Prior work experience and credentials are two of the most important factors to consider when deciding on a technician's earning potential in the cardiovascular department, but there are many elements that could come into play when a technician sets out to find employment. Some of the most common include things such as the size and type of employer, geographic location, demand for new employees, and the population density in the area. In general, larger facilities have more money to spend on acquiring new employees while smaller establishments may not have a comparable human resources budget. Also, a technician who is seeking employment in a Coastal state or urban area may be able to demand higher pay based on the fact that the costs of living are more expensive than in rural or Midwestern states.

The median EKG technician salary in the United States is around $50,000 per year, but this number is subject to many different variables that must be accounted for when attempting to estimate the size of an applicant's compensation package. Those who have a basic understanding of career entry requirements are generally better able to prepare for the application and interview process by acquiring experience and formal credentials before attempting to enter the specialty. Individuals who are wanting to try to secure employment in the cardiovascular department without having worked in a general area of practice are encouraged to communicate with facility administrators to find out what their chances are of accomplishing their career objectives.

Those who are new to the healthcare sector and who are interested in learning more about the EKG technician career path are encouraged to visit http://www.ekgtechniciansalary.org/ where they will find additional details about the competency requirements in different states along with facts about several industry relevant topics. Employment in this profession is extremely rewarding and can result in high levels of professional satisfaction for those who have conducted proper research prior to seeking employment. In addition, it is always a good idea to become active in local, state, and national organizations that offer career advice and support for those who are new to cardiac care.

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Applying for Federal Employment

Despite negative views around the country, federal employment remains one of the most coveted job opportunities in the country. If you want to apply for a federal employment, follow these steps to get started:

1. Go to usajobs.gov.


2. Click on the "Create an Account" link at the top right hand corner of the page.


3. Continue to follow guidelines to set up your account.


4. Create a resume using the resume builder. The main difference between a government and a private company resume is that a government resume has five to six pages worth of data instead of one. Start by putting all of your data into the resume builder. At the end of the process, you will have an opportunity to view and save your resume. Do that so that you can cut and paste relevant material into your resume for private company job searches.


5. Create a search. You are able to create up to 10 different searches, so set up multiple searches focused on the different localities or field that interest you. For example, if you want to work in the Washington DC area, select places such as "Washington DC," "Washington Navy Yard," "Virginia" or "Arlington VA" and "Maryland" or "Patuxent River" in one search. Or, search a specific government department, such as the Department of Defense or Department of State. At the bottom of the search, select the frequency with which you will get email messages of new job postings Choose daily or weekly. Any period longer than that and you will miss a number of opportunities as many announcements only stay open for a week or two.


6. Identify potential job opportunities from the email notices. After reviewing the announcement, click "Apply Now" on the right side of the screen. I recommend that you change your resume to use key words found within the announcement. A search engine selects resumes for review utilizing these key words. Look for these terms under the "Duties" or "Qualifications Required" sections of the announcement. Pay special attention to the sentence that reads "Specialized experience is defined as... " USAjobs.gov allows you to ave up to five different resumes. Copy your primary resume and then change the terminology for the particular announcement.


7. After submitting your resume, the system will redirect you to another site to complete your submission. Complete the questionnaire. Upload required documents that qualify you for the position. This includes college transcripts, Standard Form 50, etc.


8. Submit your application package.


9. You will receive an email notice stating that your application package has been received. Afterwards, track the status of your application online through the USAjobs.gov website.

Federal hiring takes at least two to three months. Stay positive if a bit of time passes and you have not heard anything. Best of luck to you in your job search!

Holly South lives in Honolulu, HI with her husband and two children. You can read more of her work at http://familybooknight.blogspot.com and http://7yearstofinancialfreedom.blogspot.com. Her debut book, Sell Your Stuff, Save Your Life, provides a sixty day plan for raising the funds you need to start your emergency fund by selling your "stuff." Find it on Amazon, the iBookstore, and Lulu.com.

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Professional Chauffeur Services - A Smart Way for Airport Transportation

Professional airport transport services are very convenient, because they allow you reach your flights or hotel rooms on time. The vehicles used by these limo services are generally well maintained, and you won't have to worry about vehicle breakdown in the middle of nowhere.

There are many companies that provide this service, but you will need to find the right ones to serve you the best.

Good experience

Go through the websites of a few popular companies, and choose the one that has good experience and reputation in the field. Before hiring a cab, check their user reviews too. This will help you know if there are any negative remarks about the operator. Most of these service providers have attractive websites, but that does not mean that they all are good. So, choose wisely.

Vehicles used

Information about the vehicles available would make you more comfortable while using their services. Go for the operator that has new vehicles and different models, so that you can get a good number of choices.

The type of vehicle you choose is also depended on the number of passengers travelling. The operator must be able to provide a vehicle accordingly, keeping in mind everyone's comfort. Moreover, some good companies also provide means of entertainment like portable TV sets in a car. Such facilities relax your mind and make your journey peaceful.

Professional services

You need to be aware of the companies that do not provide you with the upfront cost. Check all their rates and pricing policies. Any honest company would be straightforward about their pricing and services. You don't want to be a victim of any foul play and waste your money. Check for all the details before spending your money.

Find a professional airport transfer service that uses experienced chauffeurs to transport passengers. The chauffeurs must be very polite, well dressed, punctual and knowledgeable about different routes.

Airport transfer services are beneficial in many ways

• You can easily focus on work in hand instead of struggling with the traffic. Your work can be easily completed while you get to your destination.
• This service reduces stress. We all are tensed when we have a flight to board. Using this service you can easily reach the airport without any stress.
• It leaves a good professional image when a business person arrives at the airport with their own designated driver. It portrays a good impact on your clients at the airport.
• They will also pick you up from your office or home and would drop you safely at the airport, reducing the efforts you put in to walk to the terminal from the car parking lot.

Find the right professional airport transfer service, as it is very convenient to travel with well trained drivers. You will get to your destination without any delays.

We offer Sydney airport transfers service for the most competitive prices. We also provide fleet services to our corporate clients. Please feel free to visit our website today to book your limos in Sydney online.

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How to Successfully Do Business Overseas

I used to work with Tom. Tom was promoted as our business development manager in charge of expanding our business in Africa. Tom had only operated in western countries and he was at ease with the western culture and its customs. For his first international business trip, he was sent to Nigeria to meet our current clients and new prospects. As we all know business development is not about selling but rather about building relationships to consequently offer services to fulfil the needs of your clients. Tom's first business lunch was with Franklin, the managing director of an international oil and gas firm. Franklin was used to working with Phil as our company representative, and this lunch was an opportunity to pass over the management of Franklin's account. It is customary with some countries to give to your client a traditional gift from your country, such as chocolate from Harrods or Scottish shortbread; anything that represents the British culture. These little details show that you care about the foundation of long-term business relationships. Unaware of this custom, Tom didn't bring anything to the lunch. To show his discontent, Franklin used Tom's business as a toothpick. This was so embarrassing. The business relationship was damaged and it took a while to reposition it back to where it was previously.

I have travelled across the world during my international career. I studied cross cultural differences with fascination and I learned a great deal through my business experience. I have seen managers failing to sign deals just based on their lack of cultural awareness. In my previous business article, I taught the importance of personal branding. In this article, I will reveal to you a few tips you need to know to break challenging markets such as Asia.

1 - Dress for Business

Professionalism begins with your brand persona. So always dress professionally to make a positive impact and satisfactory business impression. Acknowledging cultural differences whilst looking and acting prepared will always be received positively and will help you seal the deal.

Take the time to study the cultural norms of the country that you are doing business in, and find out how they dress. A particular flower for example, may be acceptable in your country, but in another country, it could be used for mourning which would be totally unacceptable in a business situation. Attention to detail is essential and will help you to avoid causing any upset.

2 - Time

Punctuality is also valued differently, so be aware that some cultures are more time conscious than others. In South America and Africa, scheduled appointments are considered as a time guideline rather than something they need to stick by. In Europe, they are always punctual and being late is perceived as unprofessional. Take this into consideration and consequently allow your schedule some time flexibility.

3 - Greeting

In western countries, a hand shake is the commonly accepted form of greeting. In Saudi Arabia, women should wait for a man to offer his hand first. If she offers her hand first, he may not shake it. So save yourself the embarrassment. In Japan, people bow to greet each other. In Italy and Egypt, don't be surprised if your client or partner offers a kiss on the cheek. The best way to start on a good note is to offer a traditional present from your country. This is not bribery but rather a good gesture. However in Asia, this might be perceived as bribery and they are quiet likely to refuse your present. Always address and greet your business partners or your clients by their last names and titles unless you are invited to do otherwise.

4 - Communication

Business people in different countries communicate differently. In Nigeria or Germany, people tend to speak loudly when sharing ideas. In Ghana or Japan, they speak softly and don't interrupt each other. Don't forget to watch your body language when interacting as it could be distracting in countries that are not accommodated to so much body movements to emphasise an idea.

To conclude, always do your research when working in business and in markets that you are not familiar with. Ask advice from colleagues who have experienced working with certain countries. Their knowledge and experience are great values for your own success. Observe and adjust to the ways that your clients or business partners communicate. The more information you know, the more you are in control and capable of signing the deal.

If you would like to find out more about brand image and cultural awareness, please do not hesitate to contact me. Visit my website http://www.3coloursrule.com

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From Irritation to Innovation

Elizabeth Holmes hates needles. To her, the idea of being poked by a needle and withdrawing blood is more than just unpleasant. When she knows that she has to give blood, she becomes consumed and overcome with the thought until it's finally over.

So it should be a surprise that at age 19 she founded Theranos, a ground-breaking blood diagnostics company that 11 years later is worth more than $9 billion. The company has patented its secret technology of performing 200 different blood tests (soon growing to over 1,000 different tests) without using a syringe. They use a few drops of blood drawn using a finger stick to minimize discomfort, and collected in a "nanotainer"; a container the size of an electric fuse. Her board is stocked with powerful blue chip members including former cabinet secretaries, former U.S. senators and former military brass. Theranos' innovative technology is poised to transform health care technology at no more than half the cost of similar tests using current technology.

Holmes leveraged a process that irritated her to innovate a new method of getting it done.

Productive Dissatisfaction

Tony Fadell was building a vacation home in for his family. One of the seemingly mundane decisions was selecting thermostats, but he wasn't satisfied with his choices. So he developed the Nest Learning Thermostat, a digital and WiFi enabled device that conserves energy by learning it's owners habits. He also designed the Nest Protect which uses new technology to detect smoke and carbon monoxide.

Fadell's real goal is to use technology to redesign and control all technology in the home. He was successful in raising startup capital as a result of his Apple pedigree, and extensive connections in Silicon Valley. He previously led the team that created the iPod, thereby rejuvenating Apple and transforming the music industry (yes, I love iTunes), and assisted in the development of the iPhone. Fadell left Apple in 2008 (along with his wife who was an HR executive there) and his thermostat irritation became the epiphany to innovate his next career move. As evidence of his success, Nest was purchased by Google earlier this year for $3.2 billion.

Innovation Mindset

Holmes and Fadell were irritated by processes and technology that others accepted as status quo. Obviously this wasn't just a minor irritation either. Most of us would have dismissed it, avoided it, complained a bit while it was on our minds, then moved on to what we believed were more important things. We would think that change wasn't needed, or that technology couldn't effectively be applied to it and scaled for use. Instead, they saw it as a challenge and took the opportunity to do something about it. They had a mindset for innovation that they applied to their environment.

At the time, Holmes was a sophomore at Stanford, and according to her chemical engineering professor, viewed complex technical problems differently than other students. She dropped out shortly thereafter and persuaded her parents to invest her education fund into the business start-up.

Fadell's tenure at Apple was distinguished by asking lots of questions, challenging Steve Jobs, and building his network in the "valley" outside the company; something normally reserved for Jobs himself. He didn't conform to the typical concept of the Apple executive.

The Key to Innovation

So what is the key to your innovation? What is it that irritates you, but you find it difficult to simply walk away or ignore it. Instead, you keep trying to figure it out. This may be your opportunity to move from irritation to innovation; to find new approaches to address old ways of doing things. Though Holmes and Fadell applied innovation on a large scale, you can easily do this within a smaller sphere of influence; in your work team, organization, community group or family. Here are a few simple steps.

1. Tap into what's irritating you. What problem needs to be solved? Chances are it's right in front of you.

2. Find the benefit. Who will it add value to? Identifying your stakeholders will help you to target what action to take, and encourage you to stick with it for their benefit.

3. Ignore the naysayers. What do you believe is possible? If you don't have faith in yourself, no one else will either.

4. Identify all the assumptions associated with the status quo. Why do people do it this way? Calling them out individually helps to break the innovation opportunity down into workable sizes for better analysis.

5. Methodically challenge each assumption. Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? By the time you've asked "why" five times, you'll uncover some suppositions that really don't have a strong foundation.

6. Think of a new approach. What if we did it this way instead? Then think of another different approach. This practice gets you into the mode of change.

If you're really irritated, true innovation will typically involve transformation, not evolution. It will yield a totally unexpected outcome that represents a leap ahead, not just a step forward. So embrace that impatience and exasperation with the current situation, and press forward to a new mindset of innovation.

Read more about Elizabeth Holmes and Tony Fadell in the June 12, 2014 issue of Fortune Magazine.

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Keeping the Job On Schedule

Regardless of the scale of the project to be undertaken, keeping everything on schedule is of paramount importance for success. The reason being is that to ignore the importance of scheduling is effective to work in a completely random and poorly controlled manner, which each element of the process cannot in any way be tracked, monitored and evaluated. It's a little like heading off on a journey with no destination or map - you can't get where you're going unless you know how to get there.

In terms of keeping a job on schedule, there are certain simple tips that can be followed and applied by any project managers to great effect, which include the following:

Schedule Everything

It's not enough to map out a plan in January whereby the only scheduling involved is that of insisting everything must be done by December - this does not qualify as scheduling. Keeping things on track means coming up with a schedule that covers everything of importance, and every step of the project. The simple reason being that if you don't know what should and should not be done by March, June and September, how can you be sure you're on-track?

Set Milestones

Another key tip is that of setting milestones, which essentially means breaking down the final goal into much more manageable targets to be met one by one. If the overall goal is to cut costs by say $10,000 for example, milestones could be set at $2,000 and $5,000. The utilization of milestones are not just for measuring progress, but also as a motivational tool.

Use Software

The very best scheduling software on the market today can work wonders for keeping a project running smoothly and efficiently. From the production of accurate estimates to the analysis of work carried out to date, to use the right software is to make scheduling and general project management much easier to handle.

Address Setbacks

When and where things go wrong along the way, the worst thing to do is pretend they never happened and move on. The reason, risk history repeating itself many times over, which will only hold the project back even further. If things aren't going as they should, they must be addressed.

Allow for Error

When coming up with the scheduled for the project in the first place, be sure to leave at least a little realistic margin for error. It's more than likely that at least one or two hiccups will creep into the equation, so by allowing for these ensures the schedule can be kept and less likely to be deferred from.

Learn from Mistakes

Last but not least, each time a mistake is made by way of the project itself or its Scheduling, it's important to learn from it. This means analyzing what went wrong, why it happens, what effects it had on the project and how to make sure it doesn't happen again.

Learn more about the latest scheduling software and how best to keep a project on track by manageable milestones.

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