National Edition - April 13, 2008  Job Winners and Losers in Hard Times These are bearish times. While most people are afraid of bears, the bear hunting season is well underway and there is no reason why bullfighters should have all the fun! Several economic indicators (i.e.: unemployment, consumer confidence, interest rates, housing prices and foreign currencies) suggest that the North American economy is teetering on the brink of a bear market. However, there are bright spots in the bleak economic landscape, with sectors like health care and education offering safe refuge from the roar of the beast. (Source: Associated Press) Help your firm be a little greener So, you’d like to minimize your company’s ecological footprint? Be prepared to tread lightly when proposing your ultra-keen, green plan to your superiors, otherwise you may get caught flat-footed and give them the impression you’re trampling on their status quo. If you want to get a running start, show some initiative by pricing your proposed changes and presenting them as a solution rather than a problem. (Source: Montreal Gazette) Girls just want to have parity Recent figures on gender equity in the workplace are disconcerting. Based on the examples cited in this article, it would seem that the race for equality between men and women is actually going backwards. Apparently, women with MBAs are twice as likely to get divorced and the number of female officers at Fortune 500 companies is down from last year. At the current rate of progress the projected date for women reaching parity with men is 2081. In addition, women currently make 80% of all consumer decisions, so it’s high time business leaders realize equal pay is more than just a matter of social justice – the key issue is the bottom line. (Source: Financial Post) Turn on, tune in and relax In the words of a popular songster: “Relax! Take it eeeeeaaassy.” However, this isn’t always possible. In particular, individuals who rely on cars or public transport to get to and from work each day may find their personal and professional lives adversely affected by a stressful commute. However, a recent survey shows that 93% of Canadians agree that tuning into radio programming helps reduce stress levels during the ride. The study also shows that commuters are multi-taskers who take advantage of travel time to engage in a number of activities - from applying make-up to having sex! (Source: Jobboom, Career Zone) (Source: Jobboom, Career Zone) How long is your daily commute to work? To answer, click here. Switching career goals Spring is in the air and with it, thoughts of growth and change. Want to feel fresh as a daisy? Perhaps it’s time to strike out in a new direction. Keep in mind, it’s one thing to pine for change and another to know how to make it happen, and doing so requires as much research as it does talent. One expert recommends involving your support group, evaluating your credentials, doing your research and networking as excellent ways to get started. Experts also recommend conducting your job search outside regular company hours while minding your attitude and level of contribution at your current job. (Source: Jobboom, Career Zone) Do you... make bizarre gesticulations? “Open outcry” traders are the poster boys of business media around the world, but very few understand what they’re saying. Traders signal a purchase by pulling their open hands toward their bodies. Numeric figures relating to the buy are made with palms facing inward. Traders signal sales by pushing their open hands away from their body. Numeric figures relating to the sale are made with palms facing outward. Some suggest that open outcry trading is a dying art threatened by electronic systems. However, one long-time trader claims that he can gesture faster than anyone can type. (Source: New York Times) April 14 - 16 Cannexus 2008 Montreal, QC April 22 Habits of Effective Sales Organizations Calgary, AB April 28 Baristas Program Vancouver, BC April 30 - May 2 Building Tomorrow Today 2008 Edmonton, AB May 1 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Awards 2008 Toronto, ON May 10 – 18 Canada-wide Science Fair Ottawa, ON May 20 - 22 Futurallia Québec 2008 Quebec City, QC May 25 - 28 Canadian Skills Competition Calgary, AB May 25 - 28 Rendezvous Canada Vancouver, BC May 28 Self Employment Discovery Workshop Toronto, On May 28 Conquering the Behavioural Interview Oakville, ON May 31 Calgary Education Fair Calgary, AB June 8 – 10 Apprenticeship – Our Competitive Advantage Victoria, BC NOTICE: Jobboom and its sponsors do not necessarily endorse the opinions conveyed in the articles selected for this e-zine and do not assume any legal liability in consequence thereof. Comments: info@jobboom.com Research and editing: Austin Macdonald #noDossier#