A Look Back At 30 Years Of AIDS Research

A look back at the milestones in the 30 year battle against AIDS

It's been thirty years since the first sign of AIDS, and the battle is still raging on. Although many advances have been made, the disease is still alive and well. The first cases took the healthcare industry by storm and left them scrambling to understand the disease and find the appropriate treatment.

Let's take a look back at the milestones in this battle:

• June 1981 – The first reports out of Los Angeles stated that 5 young, homosexual men had all been diagnosed with pneumonia. Although no one could have guessed that these were the first AIDS cases, they definitely raised some eyebrows in the medical community.
  
  
• July 1981 – The New York Times ran an article about a rare skin cancer, called Kaposi's sarcoma that had been diagnosed in 41 homosexual men in New York and California. Doctors were unsure as to what had caused the infection and couldn't see any signs of contagion. Eventually the doctors found that the condition was caused by a compromised immune system and that it was a sexually transmitted infection. For the larger part of the year, doctors assumed the infection wouldn't effect non-homosexuals.
  
  
• 1982 – In May of 1982, the infection named GRID was reported in the San Francisco Chronicle. Medical professionals aren't comfortable with the name, Gay Related Immune Disorder. They fear that they are only seeing the beginning as more people start showing symptoms. Many of the people infected are not gay, and the first wave of patients who are IV drug users appear. By September, the CDC defines the disease as AIDS.
  
  
• December 1982 – The CDC reported that infants have contracted the disease after blood transfusions. This is the first time that it was speculated that the disease was contracted by blood and wasn't caused by homosexual contact or drug use.
  
  
• May 1983 – French researchers managed to isolate the AIDS virus and map the molecular structure. This allowed researchers to study and classify the disease as a T-lymphotropic retrovirus.
  
  
• 1985 – The FDA approves the first blood test to detect the AIDS virus. Although it was used primarily to remove infected blood from blood banks, many doctors started using the test to diagnose patients. Many people wanted to be tested, to ensure that they weren't passing the virus along to others, but there was a great deal of controversy about how such tests should be administered.
  
  
• March 1987 – The drug AZT was approved by the FDA as the first drug to treat the virus. The drug quickly went into trials and the approval process was expedited. Although the drug slowed the progression of the disease, it didn't cure it. By 1994, AZT was proven to severely limit the risk of passing along the virus from mother to child.
  
  
• 1994 – Researcher start to notice that some of the people who are infected with HIV never have developed AIDS. Scientists start to study the patients blood and tissue samples to determine what sort of immunities or other factors as a way to find more effective treatments for the disease.
  
  
• 1995 – An AIDS patient participates in an experiment to try to get rid of the virus. He undergoes a bone marrow transplant using baboon marrow, hoping that the natural protection that primates have against the disease could help find a cure. His body rejects the baboon marrow and he dies of AIDS related complications shortly thereafter. This opens up new research possibilities.
  
  
• 1995 – The FDA approves a new drug to combat HIV and AIDS. These protease inhibitors were offered for free and showed promise of stopping the virus as it progresses through the body. It had few side effects and did a better job of reducing the viral load in HIV patients. It seemed as though the drug held a great deal of promise. Complications came when patients became resistant to the drug very quickly.
  
  
• 1996 – AIDS researchers, Dr. David Ho and Dr. George Shaw prove that the HIV virus replicated aggressively from the beginning of the infection. They recommend a triple drug cocktail, combining the new protease inhibitors, AZT and 3TC, a drug that helps prevent drug resistance. This “AIDS Cocktail” reduces the rates of death and hospitalization in HIV and AIDS patients by 60 to 80 percent.
  
  
• 2008 – The first patient ever was cured of AIDS. Timothy Brown received a bone marrow transplant in addition to other medical treatments. His viral load decreased to an undetectable level. 4 years after he stopped taking the AIDS cocktail, he still has no trace of the virus.
  
  
• 2008 – The scientists who isolated the AIDS virus received the Nobel Prize.
  
  
• 2010 – Researchers have come up with a vaginal gel that can prevent the transmission of the HIV virus by almost 50 percent. This break-though was designed to help women protect themselves, because condom use and abstinence requires the co-operation of their partner. The gel is given to women in areas of Africa where the HIV rates are highest.

The search for a cure for HIV is still ongoing. This disease has ravaged every culture, every country in the world. It isn't just a “gay disease”, as was originally thought. In fact, this virus took the world by storm and sent medical professionals to understand the disease and learn how to prevent it.

I can only hope that the next 10 years will bring even more progress.

What do you think about the history of this disease? Let me know in the comments.

By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for HealthcareJobsiteBlog. Along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.

More college grads getting hired this year

The recovery is not as strong as everyone hoped it would be. Economists have revised their growth forecasts downward for the rest of the year, and remains stubbornly high, with most of the unemployed now out of work for more than six months.

But that does not mean there is no good news for job seekers. On the contrary, signs abound of slow but steady improvement in job prospects. I described one of them in my last blog post. Here's another:

Workforce Development reports this month that graduating college students are getting more job offers at better starting salaries than in the last two years. A number of large employers are on hiring sprees thanks to heavy demand for their products and services; the article notes that the consulting firm Deloitte reported late last year that it would hire 18,000 people this fiscal year and even more in the year ahead, exceeding its pre-recession hiring.

Moreover, the salaries being offered new graduates are more in line with the graduates' expectations, and in some cases better than they expected to get. That's partly because the graduates themselves have adjusted their expectations downward to match today's changed job market realities.

According to the article, geeks and number-crunchers are in particular demand: Students who majored in accounting, computer science, economics and engineering are having an easier time landing work in their chosen careers than other new grads.

And for those who still aren't so fortunate, there is always graduate school, the traditional Plan B for grads facing rough prospects in the job market. In another sign that things are getting better, the number of college grads going straight to grad school has dropped, from more than one-fourth of the total to 18.5 percent. (Psssst: Grad school can also be a viable Plan B for the job seeker who already has a career. Check out the options available in the Education section of PhillyJobs.com.)

All this is good news for the Classes of 2011 and 2012, but is there anything the older alum can take away from this? Yes. It is this: Even in a highly competitive job market, there are areas where opportunities abound. With persistence, just about anyone can create their own.

By Sandy Smith

Sandy Smith is a veteran freelance writer, editor and public relations professional who lives in Philadelphia. Besides blogging for PhillyJobs.com, he has written for numerous publications and websites, would be happy to do your resume, and is himself actively seeking career opportunities on Beyond.com. Check out his LinkedIn profile and read his other posts on PhillyJobsBlog.com.

Holistic Medicine Jobs will be Hot for 2011

by Alex A. Kecskes

Many health care professionals choose a more non-traditional career path than your typical nurse or doctor. They often enter the holistic medical field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, holistic medicine jobs will be among the hottest to hit the U.S. in the next decade.

Unlike traditional Western medicine, which treats symptoms and diseases with modern pharmaceuticals and advanced surgical techniques, holistic medicine treats the mind, spirit, and body as one. The belief is that calming the mind with certain exercises, techniques and herbs will help relax the body and make it more susceptible to healing.

Holistic jobs run the gamut and can include everything from massage therapist, and acupuncturist to Chinese herbalists and chiropractors. Also included would be:

• Holistic Nutritionists
• Aroma Therapists
• Colonic Therapists
• Personal Trainers,
• Energy Healer
• Feng Shui Practitioners
• Hydro Therapist
• Hypnotherapist
• Kinesiologist
• Osteopathic Doctor
• Reflexologist
• Yoga Or Thai Chi Instructor
• Naturopathic Practitioner

The degree of training and education varies with each specific field. Chiropractors, for example, must complete at least 4,200 hours of study, or about four years of chiropractor school before they can practice as licensed chiropractors. Acupuncturists typically require a bachelor's degree before gaining acceptance into a two or three year acupuncture program. Massage therapists, on the other hand, may need as little as nine months training to meet certain state licensing requirements. And herbalists have no set educational requirements in many states.

Alex A. Kecskes has written hundreds of published articles on health/fitness, "green" issues, TV/film entertainment, restaurant reviews and many other topics. As a former Andy/Belding/One Show ad agency copywriter, he also writes web content, ads, brochures, sales letters, mailers and scripts for national B2B and B2C clients. Please see more of his blogs and view additional job postings on Beyond.com.

Are Men Better At Social Networking? LinkedIn Says "Yes"!

Are men really better at social networking?

Are you a woman? Do you use social networking sites like LinkedIn? If so, you might be part of a growing minority.

According to a recent survey conducted by LinkedIn, it seems that while most professionals know how valuable the professional networking site is when it comes to finding a job, many women still aren't “getting” LinkedIn.

LinkedIn's study compared the usage habits of both men and women on its site and compiled an extensive report. They found that on average, men are doing better at making connections and furthering their careers through social networking.

The site's study suggests that women are more reluctant to network out of a fear of being pushy or overly “schmoozey”. I am not sure that I would agree with their findings. Building a social network is all about connecting with people and building relationships before you need them, but what I don't understand is how they would measure what “effective networking” is.

As I looked into their criteria further, it seems that they measure successful networking by the percentage of one-way connections that men have versus the ones women have. Next, they look at the ratio of men to women on the site.

The thing is, out of all of the social networking sites, women seem to be joining LinkedIn in fewer numbers, even though they dominate other social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. Here is a graphic of how the genders stack up across the world of social media:

As you can see, the LinkedIn is the only site where the majority is male. In an attempt to make their study a little easier to understand, LinkedIn has put together this nice infographic. Take a look:

My issue with the study is that comparing the way that men network with the way that women network is like comparing apples and oranges. Women in general tend to focus more on building actual relationships with others and care less about collecting business cards. Men are typically more straightforward when it comes to networking and are more direct with each other about the process. When women try to imitate this type of behavior, they are often seen as pushy.

Networking is important for any professional, and using sites like LinkedIn can certainly help further a career. They key is to network in a way that feels authentic to you, regardless of gender. And, for the ladies reading this, if you haven't gotten the hang of LinkedIn yet, get back on the site and get networking. If there is a shortage of professional women there, there are bound to be more opportunities.

Do you use LinkedIn? Do you think that men are better at networking? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for PhillyJobsBlog, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.

The Do's and Don'ts of Cover Letters

Cover letters are still important, here's why...

I know, I know, I keep saying it. The truth is, I could probably say it a hundred more times and still there would be people who wouldn't believe me. So, here it is again – Cover letters are one of the most important things you can do to make your resume stand out.

When you are looking for a job, it might seem that writing a cover letter is a waste of time and a little bit old fashioned, but the truth is that it still makes you look like a professional who pays attention to the details. A well written cover letter shows that you are classy, which is always a good thing.

If you have been hesitant to include a cover letter every time you send in a copy of your resume, either because you weren't sure how or felt that they weren't important, here are the do's and don'ts of cover letters:

Do:

• Include a cover letter every time – You are asking someone to give you a job that will, hopefully, pay you enough money to support yourself. Isn't that at least worth writing a brief note? If you were working at a job and had to send a project or proposal to a client, you would probably at least include a short note. Applying for a job is no different.
  
  
• Write a new letter for each job – No one likes form letters. Well, except for my Grandfather, but I think that he just doesn't realize that the junk mail he gets aren't actual letters that need a reply. But, aside from him, most people can tell the difference between a letter that was written for them and a copy/paste form letter. Form letters make you look lazy and show that you don't mind sacrificing quality for speed. These aren't traits you want to advertise. Instead, write a new letter for each job you apply for.
  
  
• Answer questions – If you think your resume could raise questions, answer them in the cover letter. For example, if you are applying for a job in a different state or geographic area, mention that you are moving to the area or if you are taking a step down, address that briefly as well.
  
  
• Keep it short – A good cover letter should be one page, with three paragraphs. You don't even have to fill the entire page. The cover letter is just a brief introduction that lets an employer know why they should take a look at your resume.
  
  
• Mention the job you are applying for – Always mention the job title you are applying for and where you heard about the opening. This will reinforce the fact that you wrote the cover letter just for this particular job.

Don'ts:

• Don't use an out of date greeting - “To Whom it May Concern” or “Dear Sirs” isn't appropriate any longer. The former is too formal while the latter is making a risky assumption that the hiring manager or managers are men, which is a mistake that could cost you the job. Instead, why not opt for “Good Morning,” or “Hello”.
  
  
• Don't use technical language – The recruiter or hiring manager might not be familiar with acronyms or other jargon. Instead, use a conversational tone and words that anyone can understand.
  
  
• Don't make it too long – Anything more than a page is overkill. If you feel that you need to write a great deal to compensate for your resume, then fix the resume. Keep the cover letter brief.
  
  
• Don't forget to proofread – Nothing looks quite as bad as several errors on a cover letter. Take the extra time to read over what you've written a few times and be sure it is all correct and easy to read.

Cover letters can be a snap, the trick is to not overthink them. They are just a short note to introduce yourself and give the hiring manager an idea about who you are and why they should read your resume.

Do you send a cover letter every time? Why or why not?

By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for HealthcareJobsiteBlog. Along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.

Employers finding it hard to fill positions

Yes, you read that right.

Even as millions of us continue networking, sending out resumes, calling contacts at companies and applying for the same jobs hundreds of other fellow seekers saw, there are companies out there that say they are having a hard time finding qualified people to fill jobs.

The main reason why is simple: a skills mismatch between the requirements of the jobs and the qualifications of the job-seekers.

The problem is greatest in the sector of the economy everyone thought had become passé: manufacturing.

Many manufacturing jobs in America today are highly technical and require levels of knowledge and skill that rival those of the so-called knowledge industries. The trouble is, our schools are not producing graduates with the math skills, mental and physical stamina needed to do things like run sophisticated computerized equipment to make precision engineered parts, and many older unemployed workers are in a poor position to acquire such skills now, having invested so much of their time in those knowledge-sector jobs.

Compounding the problem is the near total disappearance of the traditional method of training workers for jobs in manufacturing, which was to train them on the job once hired. The net effect of this is to shut out the unskilled and low-skilled workers who traditionally used manufacturing jobs as a means of bettering themselves. In a case reported in The Wall Street Journal last year, one manufacturer of precision parts, unable to find skilled machinists, set up its own 10-week training program in order to fill 40 slots. Two-thirds of the first class of 24 trainees graduated to jobs with the company.

One year later, things are not much different. Many of those looking for work have what are known as mid-level skills - high levels of knowledge, and in many cases years of experience, but at a non-managerial level. These seekers are caught between the rock of lack of management experience that would qualify them for higher-level jobs and the hard place of being too skilled and qualified for many low-skill jobs. In the meantime, the kinds of skills and knowledge these seekers have is not the kind manufacturers are looking for.

In that same Journal article last year, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta economist David Altig estimated that five million more Americans would be gainfully employed if jobs were being filled in the usual manner. That figure translated into a nearly three-percentage-point drop in the unemployment rate. As experts who keep track of trends in hiring report that highly skilled manufacturing jobs are still proving difficult to fill, it may well be that today's unemployment rate is similarly out of whack. Maybe it's time to bring back on-the-job training.

Or maybe it's time you got retrained for a new career. The Education section of PhillyJobs.com is full of resources to help you get started.

By Sandy Smith

Sandy Smith is a veteran freelance writer, editor and public relations professional who lives in Philadelphia. Besides blogging for PhillyJobs.com, he has written for numerous publications and websites, would be happy to do your resume, and is himself actively seeking career opportunities on Beyond.com. Check out his LinkedIn profile and read his other posts on PhillyJobsBlog.com.

Surviving Nuclear Fallout From a Reactor Meltdown

by Alex A. Kecskes



The earthquakes in Japan have damaged six reactors with two susceptible to partial meltdown. Health experts fear that continued aftershocks could further damage these reactors, releasing a massive radioactive cloud that could drift to the U.S. If this happens, what can you do to protect yourself from radiation exposure? For one thing, watch what you eat, say radiation experts.



Health professionals advise against eating sugar-based foods, drinks and candy. Sugar deletes your body of calcium. You body will replace it with radioactive strontium. If this happens, you could get bone marrow cancer. You should also avoid meat and fleshy fish that can contain concentrated contaminants. Don't eat refined and processed foods, or fatty foods like dairy products and their by-products.



Opt for natural whole grains and other simple foods. The high fiber and phosphorous in grain, for example, can help protect against radiation poisoning. They bind with radioactive toxins and help remove them from the body. In addition, the "bulking factor" of grains removes these toxins faster from the intestines.



Mid-range pH foods like grains boost one's resistance to radiation poisoning since they are typically not excessively acid or alkaline. What's more, the calcium content in grains reduces the absorption of radioactive strontium. Grains are also high in vitamin B6, which is critical to the thymus, and they contain vitamin E and selenium, which helps prevent the cellular damage of free radicals created by radiation exposure.



To guard against a possible radioactive plume drifting over your area, stay indoors, especially during a rain or fog. Health experts note that inhaling or eating food contaminated with radioactive iodine can poison and eventually lead to cancer. To protect your thyroid from radioactive contamination, take Potassium Iodide.



Alex A. Kecskes has written hundreds of published articles on health/fitness, "green" issues, TV/film entertainment, restaurant reviews and many other topics. As a former Andy/Belding/One Show ad agency copywriter, he also writes web content, ads, brochures, sales letters, mailers and scripts for national B2B and B2C clients. Please see more of his blogs and view additional job postings on Beyond.com.

Are They Even Reading My Resume? 5 Reasons Resumes End Up In The Trash

If you are going to take the time to apply for a job, make sure that your resume doesn't end up in the trash can.

When you are looking for a new job, one of the most frustrating things is sending in resume after resume, and not hearing anything back from any of the companies you applied with. It has happened to me more times than I care to remember. It feels like I'm emailing cover letters and resumes to a black hole, because I don't hear anything back.

With the tough job market, not only are you having to compete against a large pool of candidates but employers and recruiters are being overwhelmed by the sheer number of applicants for every job opening.

For them, the goal is to find the best qualified person at the best price. In order to achieve that goal in the most effective way, they have to sort through the stack of resumes they've received and toss out the ones that don't look promising.

It might sound cruel and while there is a chance that they could be throwing out several diamonds in the rough, the truth is that they just don't have the time to go through all of them.

In order to keep your resume from being overlooked, here are 5 of the most common reasons why a resume ends up in the trash:

1. No subject line – Especially if you are submitting your resume to a recruiter, it's important to reference the job title in the subject line of your email. Recruiters are generally very busy people and have several job searches going on at the same time. If they can't tell which job you are applying for, they can't do anything with your resume.
   
   
2. You didn't include a cover letter – Cover letters are really important. No matter what you may hear or read, they are always worth the effort. Maybe you don't have to have one, but they certainly don't hurt. They take a little bit of time, but when you are asking someone to give you a job, it's worth the extra work.
   
   
3. Your cover letter is too long – Think short and sweet here. You don't need a two page cover letter. The ideal cover letter is 3 paragraphs long. The first paragraph is a brief introduction, the second says why you think you are a good fit and touches on your qualifications and the third simply closes the letter.
   
   
4. You don't live near the job – If you don't live within a reasonable commuting distance from the job, you probably won't be considered for it. If you are planning to move to a new town and are applying for jobs before you move, include that information in your cover letter. Just a quick sentence that gives the employer an idea of when you are moving can make a huge difference. Otherwise, they probably won't even read your resume.
   
   
5. Your resume is hard to understand – If they have to think too hard to figure out what you are trying to say in your resume, they will probably just toss it. If you are having trouble making your resume easy to read, then get help. Professional resume writers can make a big difference.

Don't let your resume end up being deleted or thrown away without being read. Before you apply for another job, make sure that you are giving yourself the best chance to shine.

If you are a hiring manager, what other things can cause you to throw out a resume without even reading it? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for PhillyJobsBlog, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.

5 Ways To Get Your Job Search In Shape For Summer

Summer is here already. Here's how to amp up your job search for the warm weather.

It seems to be conventional wisdom to take a break from job searching during the summer months. I am not sure what sort of advice that is, to be honest. Most people, especially those who are unemployed right now, can't afford to wait 3 more months to land a job.

I think that the reason why summer generally seems like a bad time to look for a job is because many new projects start up in the fall combined with the difficulty of scheduling meetings and interviews in between employee's vacation time. But, even if you currently have a job and are looking for a new one, the summer months are a great time to get the ball moving in order to be able to hit the ground running in the fall.

The truth is that in this day and age, people aren't taking long vacations anymore. Gone are the days when the boss takes a month off during the summer. For most companies, summertime is business as usual. And, with so many job seekers taking the time off, the competition is slimmer.

Here are 5 ways to get your job search in summer shape:

1. Never miss a chance to network – Summer is the time for festivals, cookouts and other gatheringss that give you an opportunity to connect with people you haven't seen in awhile. Be sure to print out some business cards with your name and contact information to have on hand. This way, when you go to your cousin's June wedding, you'll be all set to shake hands and network with extended family.
   
   
2. Write out a formal schedule – It's tempting to go out and play in the warm weather, but before you hit the pool, plan time for your job search. Even if you have kids home from school or many attractive social opportunities, don't let them distract you from spending at least an hour or two furthering your job search.
   
   
3. Get outside – The fresh air and sunshine can do your mental health a world of good. It's good to take a break and have some fun. If you have a lot of free time, this might be a great chance to get to know your neighbors and network with them. You may be able to barter services like working on home improvement projects in exchange for vegetables from their summer garden.
   
   
4. Look for a temporary job – Summer is the perfect time to find a seasonal job just to generate some income. Look at tourist attractions near you such as theme parks and even look at temp agencies. Often companies will hire a temp to pick up the slack during office vacation times. Think about skill sets and what you are passionate about. Use this to guide you into the perfect summer job. For example, if you're an avid golfer, perhaps working at a mini-golf location would be fun. Likewise, if you love crafts, maybe working at a souvenir shop would be a blast.
   
   
5. Don't get discouraged – Getting interviews scheduled can be a bit of a challenge during the summer months. Also, many times the turn-around time from application to hire for many companies is significantly longer. Just keep doing what you can and be patient. Even though it's a little difficult, remind yourself that you are putting yourself at the front of the line to be hired as the summer winds down.

Summer always brings lots of fun and activities. That doesn't mean your job search needs to be put on hold. Instead, use these tips and get a head start on the competition.

What do you think about looking for a job during the summer months? I would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions in the comments.

By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for HealthcareJobsiteBlog. Along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.

Local economic outlook cools off

Here it is, the middle of the second heat wave of the year, and it isn't even summer yet. I need something that will cool me off. Looks like the latest Federal Reserve Beige Book is just the thing.

For those of you who are not familiar with it, or who missed my summary of an earlier Beige Book, the Beige Book is the Federal Reserve System's anecdotal survey of economic conditions in the 12 Federal Reserve Bank districts. It makes for interesting reading because, in the numbers-obsessed world of finance and economics, there's nary a number in it. Instead, it is based on conversations with contacts in the various sectors, who report on what they are seeing in their corner of the regional economy.

As the Third Federal Reserve District covers southern New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware, its report is a good stand-in for a report on economic conditions in the greater Philadelphia region. And the current situation is that things are cooling off after a growth spurt at the beginning of the year.

Business continues to pick up in the region, but more slowly than in March, creating a sort of good news/bad news scenario for most people seeking employment in Greater Philadelphia. Retail employment, which tends to slow down in the city as summer approaches, will likely limp along, as most retailers reported weak year-over-year sales gains to the Philly Fed. Manufacturing, which grew strongly in the early spring, cooled to about half that growth pace this time around. In addition to rising prices for commodities, many manufacturers laid a good chunk of the blame for the slowdown at the feet of Congress, which failed to pass a new surface transportation spending bill - which would also have been good news for the construction industry had it passed. And, of course, the real estate market remains troubled, especially on the residential side, which also means little new employment in construction.

One somewhat bright spot is the service sector, where many firms reported both increased demand from existing clients and added demand from new ones.

One retailer quoted in the Beige Book pointed out a modest negative feedback loop currently at work. In explaining the weak sales figures, the retailer said, "The consumer is responding to value. Only confidence in the job situation will prompt broader buying." And as long as economic growth continues to limp along, there will be little confidence in the job situation.

By Sandy Smith

Sandy Smith is a veteran freelance writer, editor and public relations professional who lives in Philadelphia. Besides blogging for PhillyJobs.com, he has written for numerous publications and websites, would be happy to do your resume, and is himself actively seeking career opportunities on Beyond.com. Check out his LinkedIn profile and read his other posts on PhillyJobsBlog.com.

Mental Health Professionals Say Charlie Sheen Needs Help

by Alex A. Kecskes

Actor Charlie Sheen continues his rants and seems to be in denial about what some call his descending mental state. Some mental health care professionals have termed his current state as bi-polar and worry that a soon-to-come "downer" will be harmful to the talented actor.

Sheen, on the other hand, insists that rather than being bi-polar, he's actually "bi-winning." While many mental health professionals express concern over his well-being, skeptics insist it's all an act to draw fans to his freewheeling lifestyle.

Psychiatrists who have observed Sheen's manic ramblings warn that when addicts are high on drugs, or simply reacting to biochemical changes in their brain, they will refuse treatment. They see themselves as above it all and will insist they know how to best deal with their condition (if they even admit they have a condition).

The loss of his job loss and the court ordered removal of his 2-year-old twins, Max and Bob are bracing reminders that Sheen may not be winning all of his battles. And that it might be time to come down and deal with reality.

Mental health professionals say Sheen's bizarre behavior in media interviews and online follows a standard self-destructive pattern. It began with his admitted drug abuse, violence, and troubling behavior on the set of this TV show. One can only hope that the actor comes to his senses and seeks professional help before tragedy strikes.

Alex A. Kecskes has written hundreds of published articles on health/fitness, "green" issues, TV/film entertainment, restaurant reviews and many other topics. As a former Andy/Belding/One Show ad agency copywriter, he also writes web content, ads, brochures, sales letters, mailers and scripts for national B2B and B2C clients. Please see more of his blogs and view additional job postings on Beyond.com.

Don't Have Any Friends At Work? 4 Reasons Why

We all need social contact. So what do you do if you don't have any friends at your job?

Let's face it. We're all humans, and as humans, we really need social interaction. It isn't enough to have a few friends and family members to talk to. We also need to have peers and professional colleagues to help keep us grounded, energized and to just have someone to bounce ideas off of. Building strong relationships with others in your industry can help you build a strong social network, help you advance in your career and can even help you find your next job.

The problem is, sometimes finding those types of peers is difficult. I think that everyone has been in the situation where the people you work with aren't very interested in becoming friends. So, when that happens, what do you do?

Here are 4 reason why you might not have friends at work, and what you can do to fix it.

1. You're new – Even if you have been at your job for 6 months or more, depending on the office atmosphere, you may still be the “new kid”. Your co-workers are probably still hesitant to befriend you and want to be sure that you are going to stay before they invest time and energy into the relationship.
   
   
   How to fix it – There isn't much you can do in this situation. If you don't want to wait it out, you could try talking with your co-workers and looking for areas of common interest. Select one or two people with whom you feel you have the most in common with and ask them to lunch or ask for their advice. Once you have one friend, your other office mates might start to warm up to you.
   
   
2. You may have made a bad impression – This can happen to anyone, especially at a new job. No one knows anything about you, so all they have to judge you on is your behavior. If you got off on the wrong foot or made a lot of mistakes while learning the job, your co-workers may not trust you.
   
   
   How to fix it – Depending on the situation, you may actually have to apologize and make it clear that it won't happen again. If you didn't make a huge mistake, but still feel as though your co-workers are distant, try helping them out with their projects. If neither of these seem like viable options, just be friendly to everyone and eventually they will come around.
   
   
3. You're not a good fit with the corporate culture – This one is a biggie. Most companies and even many small offices have a culture all of their own. If you aren't a good fit with the culture, you'll probably have a hard time fitting in. This is why it's a good idea to research a company before accepting a job. Take a look at their culture and determine if it's a good match. For example, if you are a conservative person and took a job managing a Hot Topic, you may not find many people that you can relate to.
   
   
   How to fix it – There isn't really a good fix for this problem. Determine what changes you would need to make in order to fit in. If the changes are difficult or require you to try to be someone you aren't, you may want to find another job. In the long run, your work will suffer and you will find it hard to keep your job.
   
   
4. You're an introvert, and you're overwhelmed – As an introvert myself, I can tell you that the worst situation for me is starting a new job and being surrounded by “strangers”. It can be overwhelming and the natural instinct for an introvert is to withdraw deeper into their shell. Although this is just a self-preservation instinct, it can make you come across as someone who is stuck up or not interested in friendship.
   
   
   How to fix it – The best way to stop working with a group of strangers is to get to know them. Then, they are just regular people. Try building a relationship with one or two co-workers and build from there. Also, be sure to keep a smile on your face when you walk through the office. Too often introverts are mistaken for being “stuck on themselves” or “snooty” because they don't smile and offer a friendly greeting to co-workers they pass everyday.

Navigating the social aspects of the workplace can feel a little like high school all over again. The thing is, having strong relationships with other people in your industry, at your level, can be invaluable to your career. If you don't have friends at work, hopefully these tips will help you break the ice.

Have you ever been the odd person out at a job? What did you do to make friends? Please share your suggestions in the comment section.

By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for PhillyJobsBlog, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.

4 Crazy Interview Tips - That Actually Work

Preparing for an interview is stressful, but there are some things that may sound crazy but actually work.

The key to a successful job interview is preparation. We all know that, but sometimes it can really be a challenge to figure out exactly what type of preparation we need.

Looking for a job is stressful enough, but if you are lucky enough to get invited to an interview, the anxiety level kicks into high gear. Between practicing your answers to commonly asked interview question and perfecting your elevator pitch, it's easy to get overwhelmed.

Here are 4 interview preparation tips that sound crazy but actually work:

1. Write a list – In almost any sort of interview you'll be asked about your proudest achievements and examples of times when you have had to overcome challenges. Before you head out to your interview, write a list of the key points you want to mention.
   
   
   You might also want to write down a few notes about certain experiences that you think might be important. Keeping the list handy during the interview will ensure that you don't draw a blank or get sidetracked.
   
   
2. Bring a folder – From the minute you arrive for the interview you are being watched. Employers pay attention to what you do while you are waiting. Bringing along a book or sending text messages to pass the time might give the impression that you aren't taking the interview seriously. However, the other option of sitting quietly is really tough when you are nervous. Anxious body language looks surprisingly similar to upset or aggressive body language.
   
   
   In order to look professional in the waiting room, bring a folder with a copy of your resume and the list you made. You can add a few sheets of paper for taking notes as well. Then, while you are waiting, you can look through the folder. This will make you look as though you are on task and serious while masking your nerves.
   
   
3. Dab your pulse points with cold water – Before you go into the interview, it's a good idea to pop into a restroom to check your appearance. Try splashing a little bit of cold water behind your ears, on the base of your neck and on your wrists. This will help calm your nerves by lowering your core body temperature, not to mention it will make you more alert.
   
   
4. Use a mirror to practice – When you are practicing your answers to common interview questions, try doing it in a mirror. I know that most experts recommend practicing with family and friends, but sometimes just being able to see your expression can help you get a clear picture of how your answers sound.

Once you get a handle on your nerves the rest of the interview should be fairly smooth. The main thing is to keep calm and do your best to present the most professional image possible.

What do you do to combat nerves before an interview? I would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions in the comments.

By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for HealthcareJobsiteBlog. Along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.

We are all road warriors now - or are we?

I write this week's blog post from the 7:34 train from Market East to Wilmington, where I have a job interview at 10 a.m. To get to this interview, I arose at 6 a.m., hopped on a bus for the seven-minute ride to the Market-Frankford Line, spent 20 minutes riding the El to 11^th Street, then caught this train, which will deposit me in Wilmington 55 minutes after I boarded it. From the train station, it's another 15 minutes on a DART bus to the interview site.

So that makes a total of 97 minutes riding the buses and trains, almost the length of a typical Hollywood feature film. And I haven't even added in the waiting time, which adds at least 30 minutes to the total.

Hmmm. Two hours spent commuting to an interview for a job that I've been told I have a 50-50 chance of getting, and which will last six months if I get it. And if I get it, I will have to rise a half hour earlier to make it to the office by 9 a.m.

Would you say this is worth the effort? I think it's pretty clear how I answered that question.

In the real estate business, brokers and lenders speak of something called "drive to qualify." What this refers to is the distance a homebuyer must travel from the city in order to be able to afford a home. In expensive cities like New York or San Francisco, this distance can be considerable: some New York City workers now drive from as far away as the Lehigh Valley to get to their Manhattan jobs, for instance. What I am engaging in as I write this blog post is the job market equivalent. Lets call it "commute to hire."

In a strong economy, chances are good that a given job seeker in a large city will be able to choose from an ample number of jobs within a reasonable commuting time or distance of one's residence. When jobs become scarcer, on the other hand, job seekers may be forced to look beyond their commuting comfort zone to find suitable employment. Thus, just as a worker in San Francisco may have to consider moving to Altamont in order to afford the mortgage payments, so a person living and looking for work in Philadelphia may have to consider openings in New Brunswick, or even New York as an architect friend of mine did, in order to secure a suitable job. (Then he shortened his commute by moving there.)

Its good that this region has multiple employment centers with good transit service, for it allows carless folks like me to cast a wider net when job hunting just as the drivers do. For now, I am willing to become a road warrior - or, in my case, a transit marathoner – in order to get the job I want.

How about you? Are you looking further afield for work? Have you reconsidered how far you are willing to commute to work? Share your thoughts in the comments.

By Sandy Smith

Sandy Smith is a veteran freelance writer, editor and public relations professional who lives in Philadelphia. Besides blogging for PhillyJobs.com, he has written for numerous publications and websites, would be happy to do your resume, and is himself actively seeking career opportunities on Beyond.com. Check out his LinkedIn profile and read his other posts on PhillyJobsBlog.com.

RNs Rise in Number, but More Will be Needed

by Alex A. Kecskes

The number of licensed registered nurses (RNs) grew nationwide by nearly 154,000 to an all-time high of 3.1 million from 2004 and 2008. So says a report by the federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

For the first time in over three decades, younger nurses grew, adding to the population of RNs. Nearly 445,000 RNs earned their U.S. license from 2004 through 2008. On the other hand, over 291,000 RNs allowed their licenses to expire, signaling a wave of retirements that may foreshadow a nursing shortage in the years to come.

The lion's share of RNs earned an Associate Degree in nursing (AD), followed by Bachelor's or graduate degreed nurses who accounted for just over a third of the RN population. The remaining one-fifth of nurses began their education in hospital-based diploma programs. Less than half of Masters Degreed nurses are employed in hospitals. Nearly one-fifth work in ambulatory care settings and about 12 percent work in the education field.

In December 2009, analysts with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected that 581,500 new RN positions will be created through 2018. Compared to all other professions, jobs for RNs are expected to grow much faster than the average.

In July 2010, the flailing economy lessened the immediate demand for nursing in many parts of the country. Analysts caution that this trend may be only temporary and note that the projected demand for nursing services may once again rise. So regardless of what you've heard, the demand for skilled nurses will continue to rise, especially as the economy improves.

For an additional perspective, check out this video:

Alex A. Kecskes has written hundreds of published articles on health/fitness, "green" issues, TV/film entertainment, restaurant reviews and many other topics. As a former Andy/Belding/One Show ad agency copywriter, he also writes web content, ads, brochures, sales letters, mailers and scripts for national B2B and B2C clients. Please see more of his blogs and view additional job postings on Beyond.com.

What Is "Being Overqualified"? And How Can You Overcome It?

Being overqualified isn't always a death sentence to your job search; here are some ways to overcome the stigma.

Have you ever been told that you are overqualified for a position? It it a phrase that gets tossed around a lot, and it can be hard to understand exactly what it means. When you are looking for a job, there are times when it can really make sense to accept a job working in a lower capacity than your previous experience.

If this is the case for you, there are some things you can do to overcome the idea that being overqualified for a job is a bad thing. First, you have to understand why employers are hesitant to hire people who exceed their requirements.

Here are 3 reasons employers may not consider someone who is overqualified, and how to overcome them:

1. They think that you would be unhappy making less money – If your previous jobs have paid you considerably more than the job is offering, the employer may have a valid concern. To them, it may seem that you would be unhappy over the long term and would quickly start looking for a new job. It isn't worth the time and money to hire someone who is going to be unhappy and leave, rather than hire someone who will be challenged and stay in the position.
   
   
   How to overcome this:
   If you are serious about taking a lesser paying job, be sure to mention it during the interview. Explain that you have given it some thought and are more concerned about the job rather than the salary. If you had a considerably more senior title at your previous job, tell the interviewer that your last company was generous with their titles and that the job they have open is one that you would be very happy with.
   
   
2. They think that people who are accustomed to being leaders don't don't make good followers – Many times, this is true. People who are used to being the boss may have trouble adjusting to having to answer to someone else. This makes hiring managers hesitant to put you in a job where you might become unhappy or cause problems.
   
   
   How to overcome:
   During an interview, make sure that you demonstrate that you are able to be managed. You might do this by asking about the management style of the person you would be reporting to. This will show them that you expecting to be a follower.
   
   
3. They are worried that you might be resistant to learning new things – When you have been working at a higher level for many years, employers may be concerned that you will be resistant to learning new things at the lower level. It's common for people who have a larger knowledge base to go into the situation thinking that they already know everything and that there is nothing new to learn.
   
   
   How to overcome this:
   Get active online and set up your professional networking accounts. Mention your Twitter account during the interview. Ask questions and show them that you are someone who can adapt to new changes easily. This will demonstrate that you aren't stuck in your ways and that you will be able to make the most of any situation.

Being overqualified isn't always the kiss of death for your job search. They key is to first give some honest thought to whether or not you are someone who would be happy working in a lower capacity. Can you be happy with a smaller salary? Are you able to learn new things in any position, or will you always think that you could do it better than the boss? Once you have made up your mind to look for a lower position, be sure to address that in your cover letter and be prepared to overcome the employers concerns during the interview.

Have you ever been told you were overqualified for a position? How did that go? Let me know in the comments.

By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for PhillyJobsBlog, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.