Calculating Odds

Calculating Odds

What are the odds? Survivors of the Costa Concordia cruise ship disaster has compared it to the Titanic disaster, and rescue missions for the remaining missing people have been suspended because rescuers say there is zero chance of survival.

Best Time to Buy

Best Time to Buy

Best time to buy - According to the National Retail Federation, tens of millions of American jobs depend on the retail industry. So what can you do to help the economy? Shop, shop, shop! And the good news is you don’t need to spend big bucks if you buy at the right time. Scroll through to see what time of year is best to purchase staple items.

Coachella lineup 2012

 2012 Coachella Music Festival Lineup Revealed!

Coachella lineup 2012 - Radiohead, Dre, Snoop picked for Coachella, Question: What do British sound pioneers Radiohead, hip-hop icons Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, and blues-rock bad boys The Black Keys each have in common? Answer: They’re all headlining the 2012 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, going down April 13-15 and 20-22 in Indio, Calif.

Illinois Road kill Law

Illinois Road kill Law

Illinois Road kill Law - State’s new road kill law, A Midwestern state has enacted a new law that eliminates at least one hurdle for folks who want to scoop up the various critters that meet their demise on local roadways.

Favorite Books of the Famous

Favorite Books of the Famous

Favourite books of the famous - Did you resolve to read more in the new year? Have some fun with your resolution and look to the famous for some literary guidance. Here's a look at the favorite books of famous people – from musicians and actors to business leaders and politicians.

Pilots ill Emergency Landing

Pilots ill Emergency Landing

Pilots ill Emergency Landing - Ill pilots cause emergency landing. A British Airways flight from London was forced to land after two pilots became sick at the same time. The plane was only minutes into the flight when the captain reportedly made a "panicked" call for aid. Both pilots were given oxygen masks to continue the flight. A British Airways passenger plane 20 minutes into a flight from Heathrow had to make an emergency landing after both pilots were taken ill.

Mary Hayashi Shoplifting Tumor

Mary Hayashi Shoplifting Tumor

News interviews gone wrong

News interviews gone wrong

News interviews gone wrong - Interviews Gone Wrong, All the teleprompters, cue cards and station breaks in the world couldn’t have saved these interviews from becoming such memorable train wrecks. Check out the best of the worst interviews that spiraled out of control — from sports Q&A’s gone awry to a press conference that took on a life of its own.

Milestone Birthdays in 2012

Milestone Birthdays in 2012

Milestone Birthdays in 2012 - Whether they're hitting that mid-life marker or enjoying their first drink, these big names have some significant celebrating to do this year.

Dumb Criminals 2011

 2011 Dumbest Criminals

Ice cream vendor assaulted?

Ice cream vendor assaulted?

Ice cream vendor assaulted? An ice cream truck driver in Utah was assaulted by a woman carrying a spray bottle, police say. Andrea Chavez, 65, is charged with assault and other misdemeanors.

10 job search tips for 2012

10 job search tips for 2012

10 job search tips for 2012, It's 2012, and with the new year comes a revitalized spirit, gusto and determination to enact your plans and make your dreams happen. With the evolution of career search over the last few years, it's good to take stock of what will make the biggest impact in landing a job this year.

Some things haven't changed. It's still tough out there. There are still many people competing for few opportunities. But with the right tools, you can improve your search, broaden your networking opportunities and align yourself with a career that fits your skills.

Here are 10 tips for a successful job search in 2012:

1. Create a job search strategy. Employers hate receiving applications from candidates who are not qualified for positions. So it's time to stop using the shotgun approach to your job search. You're wasting your time, and you're wasting the recruiter's time. Carefully read job postings and determine whether you could do a majority of the tasks required if you started tomorrow. A recent CareerBuilder job forecast reported that employers are not finding qualified candidates for their open positions, so learn how to tailor your existing skills to a job's requirements and spend time preparing better résumés and cover letters instead of just blasting a generic one to every single posting.

2. Define your goals and your brand. It can be challenging to stop and ask yourself, "What do I really want out of a job?" Answers as simple as a paycheck or benefits may be a reality, but the fact is that you do want more out of your job than just cash. Your career needs to satisfy you in more ways than just your pocketbook. By defining what you want out of a job and what you offer up as a job seeker, you become better at applying for jobs that are aligned with your overall career goals. By taking the time to define your brand as a job seeker, you can figure out what your best selling points are and the most valuable skills you have to sell to an employer. Make sure your social media accounts are professional if used as part of your search. And if they aren't, keep them under lock and key, since more and more employers are screening applicants via social profiles.

3. Diversify your search. While employers still utilize sites like CareerBuilder, many are branching out in multiple ways to connect with job seekers. You should be readily available in each of those channels. Whether it's through social media or local networking events, utilize today's technology to further spread the message about your brand. Today's job search can be summed up in one word: hustle. The more you switch up your efforts, the more opportunities you'll come across and the more you place yourself ahead of the pack. Also, know your industry and what trends are happening. Manufacturing companies may still have you apply in-person, whereas digital advertising agencies may expect a much more elaborate electronic portfolio available via the Internet.

4. Evaluate your skills and add more. Perhaps your skills aren't up-to-date with most of the jobs you are seeing in the market, or perhaps they are a little rusty. Brush up on your underutilized skills with online courses or community classes. You could also consider going back to school. Government funding and other programs are available for out-of-work job seekers who want to enroll in training or continue their education to better position themselves in the current workforce.

5. Be unique. You already know that defining your brand can help set you apart from the competition. When an employer asks, "Why should I hire you?" you will already have a list of your best qualities. As you come across jobs that you feel confident about, do something that will help you stand out and be memorable to the recruiter or Human Resources manager. Dig around, and before applying, find out the name of the hiring manager or someone who heads up the department the position is in, and contact him directly. Utilize the information on LinkedIn to your benefit. Reach out with a brief introduction, and let him know you've applied for the position and you hope to be in touch. After applying, it never hurts to follow up with a company via social media to share your excitement about the position.

6. Proactively listen. Searching for a job can be tedious, and you can get so focused that sometimes it's easy to forget to listen, research or monitor conversations. Pay attention to how employers are communicating about jobs via social media and through their websites and how you can speak to them in their own language. Connect with other job seekers or career experts, and see what methods you can adopt from their job search strategies. Join Twitter chats and online career fairs to connect with more employers and broaden your network. Just be sure that while you're out selling your brand, you take the time to listen to how others are finding success in their search.

7. Set goals. The overall goal may be either get a job or get a new one, but when you break that big goal down into smaller goals, you set yourself up for more success and less frustration. When you only look toward that big goal, it can be disheartening when it takes a long time to achieve it. Choose monthly goals like joining professional organizations or volunteering at a nonprofit that will allow you to flex and utilize your skills. When you are able to create a to-do list and hold yourself accountable for achieving these goals, you'll feel better about yourself. That self-initiation can be shown off in your job search and interviews as a great example of your character. By forcing yourself to focus on small goals, you continue networking with new individuals that can assist you in your job search.

8. Prepare for anything. You can't always predict when you may get called for an in-person or phone interview, so you should always be ready. You should go into an interview with at least five examples that demonstrate your best qualities. When they want examples of real-life successes or things you'd do different, have them prepared. If you volunteered or taught yourself a new set of skills, be sure to mention this. Rehearse for interviews with mentors or friends so you won't 'wing it,' which can diminish your chances of portraying yourself in the best way. Leave the interviewer with phone numbers of references who will back you up with recommendations.

9. Positive thinking can lead to positive results. Use your career search as a time to see every situation as a learning opportunity. Of course every job hunt will have moments of frustration and hopelessness. But don't give up on yourself or on the belief that the right job is out there. Use the time to re-evaluate your career path, which could lead you to a more fulfilling career. A positive attitude is also contagious, and the more positive you are, the more likely others will be willing to go out of their way to help you.

10. Stay balanced. Job searching can take a lot out of you. Create a schedule or routine for yourself, so you don't burn out. Make sure you get plenty of rest, talk to friends and family, stay active and allow yourself those moments to do things you enjoy. Take the time to play a video game, go for a jog or play with your pets -- do whatever it takes to get you back to you.

Finding the perfect job is attainable, but you have to put in the work and effort and have faith that you'll reach your destination. By being proactive, connecting with others and having a can-do attitude, you'll be able to tackle some of the biggest job search hurdles in 2012.

Justin Thompson 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.

Copyright 2011 CareerBuilder. All rights reserved. The information contained in this article may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without prior written authority

Golf cart runs wild after football game

Golf cart runs wild after football game

Golf cart runs wild after football game, Golf cart goes astray after football game. Patrons at the 5A Division II State High School Championship football game in Texas witnessed the unexpected Saturday night when a golf cart got loose and ran over a group of people near midfield. A worker stopped the cart before it did more damage.

Reindeer meat sells out

Reindeer meat sells out

Reindeer meat sells out, Reindeer meat sells out after protest. Despite outrage from activists, tinned Reindeer meat sold out last week at a London-based store that sells high-class foodstuffs. The pricey snack is described on the tins as an 'indulgent winter treat' coming from a 'farm-raised relative of Rudolph'.For the best smoked reindeer meat in Mittädalen in northern Sweden look up Lars Gunnar Thomasson, 59. Lars is a Sami, one of the indigenous people living in Finland, Norway, Sweden and Russia who have been herding reindeer and producing reindeer meat since the 16th century.

CELEBS WITH SURPRISING AGES

Celebs WIth Surprising Ages

Celebs WIth Surprising Ages, When we say, "You don't look your age," we generally mean it as a compliment. On that note, have a look at some famous folks whose appearances belie their ages -- generally for the better, but sometimes for worse -- and click through to find out how old they are.

Romance Report for Dec. 12

Romance Report for Dec. 12

Romance Report for Dec. 12, Kate Winslet Didn't Treat Me Well, Gripes Ex Not everyone is basking in the glow of happiness emanating from Kate Winslet ever since she fell "madly in love" with a guy named Ned Rocknroll.

Movie Dads We Wish We Had

Movie Dads We Wish We Had

Movie Dads We Wish We Had, Many fathers we see on the silver screen are portrayed as clueless or downright icky. They could probably use a few parenting tips from these upstanding fell. All too often, movies portray fathers as either hapless bumblers or cold disciplinarians, but every now and then a film comes along that gets it right. Here's our list of 10 movie dads who portray the very best of fatherhood.

Top 10 American home styles

Top 10 American home styles

Top 10 American home styles, There may be no place like home, but most of the places Americans choose to live have a certain style in common.

Woman executed sorcery

Woman executed sorcery

Woman executed sorcery. 60-year-old executed for ‘sorcery’, Authorities in Saudi Arabia executed a 60-year-old woman convicted of practicing magic and sorcery , which are banned in the country. There are no details about her crime, but police say she tricked people into thinking she could treat their illnesses. Saudi authorities have executed a woman convicted of practising magic and sorcery.