Trick Questions

In case you ever wondered whether or not interviewers would actually ask you a trick question, well the answer is yes.  So in effort to assist those who may run into a bit of trickery during an interview I have compiled a list of the most common trick questions asked and how to respond.

1.) Can you recall a bad experience with a previous employer?

This is actually not so much a trick question but more of a way for the interviewer to gauge how well you respond to being put on the spot.

2.)  Give an example of a time you were unable to complete an assigned task on schedule and how you managed to overcome it.

This question is simply to get you to admit you have failed to perform as you were expected by your employer

Work at Home Jobs

As the technology age advances so do opportunities for those looking to take advantage of the capabilities of today's computers, phones and office machines and earn a legitimate income from the comfort of their own home.  The benefits gained by work at home employees include eliminating a long commute, savings at the gas pump, more time with loved ones and the increased productivity attained by working in a less stressful environment with fewer distractions.  On the other hand employers also prosper greatly from the utilization of remote employees by reducing overhead costs of office supplies, utilities and office space.   Though these perks may seem very enticing the work at home employee also faces some undesirable disadvantages such as isolation and difficulty separating home from work. If you think you have what it takes to be a successful work at home employee below you will find a few companies that offer legitimate work at home opportunities.

http://www.telework.gov/ - Telework Enhancement Act of 2010 passed by Congress allows federal agencies to employ remote support  staff.

http://ArRecovery.com - Employs work at home billing and collections representatives for law offices, healthcare companies and bank lenders.

http://www.salesroads.com/ - One of the few to offer a guaranteed hourly rate plus commission, hires work at home lead generators and appointment setters. 

Temp Jobs

For many unemployed the steadily growing demand for temporary workers has become their ticket out of unemployment and back into the workforce.  However these temporary positions can also become a dead end for employees whom eventually find a better offering that usually encompasses things such as health insurance, retirement savings options, paid sick and vacation time and the guarantee of a 40 hour work week. As for employers temporary staffing appears to be a cost saving way to maintain optimal staff however will inturn produce higher employee turnover which means wasted money on new employee training, additional recruiting expenses and less productive staff due to the constant need to train new employees so maintaining the same level of output is impossible.

The number of temporary positions held by employees today makes up 2% of the total workforce which amounts to approximately 2.8 million jobs according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Not Employing Smokers is This Legal ?

I recently encountered a situation that I feel is unfair discrimination and should not be legal.  I have been in search of a new job after being fired 2 weeks ago so I applied to several local hospitals all of which are owned by the same company and after doing some research on the company I came to realize that I would not be hired by them because

they do not hire smokers.  There career website states that a pre employment nicotine test will be performed and if the results are positive they will rescind  the job offer.  My first thoughts were anger and outrage then my mind turned to the legality of this.  Is it legal for an employer to discriminate in such a manner?  The answer is yes in 21 states and here is what else I found.

• Tobacco-only laws: Eighteen states prohibit discrimination against tobacco users. These states are Connecticut, District of Columbia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
• Lawful consumable products laws: Eight states protect employees from discrimination if they use lawful consumable products, which would include tobacco. These states include Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
• Lawful outside activities laws: Four states say employers can't discriminate against employees who engage in lawful activities outside of work. Those states are California, Colorado, New York, and North Dakota

So however unfair it may seem I can do nothing but look for employment elsewhere.  The thing that is most upsetting is that I would attempt to quit smoking since its a disgusting habit that I need to break anyway but I would not be able to utilize any of the smoking cessation aids available such as nicotine gum, nicotine patch or vaper electronic cigarettes since they all contain nicotine.

Rehire of UPS employees

After last weeks mass walk out at UPS that led to the firing of 250 employees whom participated in the protest the global shipping company has now rehired all employees previously fired and instead reprimanded them with a 10 day suspension after tense negotiations with the local Teamsters union.  The Local 804 union will also be paying UPS undisclosed damages for missed deliveries during the walkout.

The 10 fastest growing transportation jobs


Logisticians

Bus Driver

Sailors & Marine Oilers

Taxi Drivers

Automotive Service Technicians

Transportation Inspectors

Transportation Attendants, Except Flight Attendants

Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels

Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers

Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other*


The projected 10 fastest growing transportation jobs within the industry in 2014. Transportation job growth outpaced the national average in the years following the economic downturn. From 2010 to 2013, employment in transportation, including workers who consider themselves self-employed, grew 6.1 percent -- two percentage points above nationwide job growth over this timeframe (4.1 percent).

Jobless claims take a sharp fall last week as initial claims for unemployment benefits dropped 32,000 to a low 300,000, the lowest in nearly 7 years.    Layoffs are trending lower and hiring is regaining some momentum after being held back as job growth averaged 6.7 percent over a 5 year period.