Today retail Industry is not just expanding but also getting more organized. This shift has attracted many to join courses related to retail industry such as retail marketing and merchandizing. The rising trend in retail industry is generating new jobs for educated and specialized staff in the world of fashion retailing. A person having degree and experience in such field is able to demand higher pay packages. If you have interest in retail industry, you can see a brighter career in the following areas:

Purchase

Increased customer bargaining power and competition is drawing the attention of retailers towards purchase decisions. Most of retail companies have a buying team which is responsible for developing and bringing a product range which not just attract customers, but are also profitable. Customers are aware and smart enough to evaluate the product’s price and quality. So as a part of buying team you will be required to bargain for the best possible price with suppliers. In many organizations, the responsibility of in-store displays, brand management and quality control is on buying teams. If you are a graduate, having good negotiating skills and some shop floor experience, you can opt for career in buying. It is also important that you should have some affinity for products in which you are going to deal.

Big News Another great new product by Tim Godfrey and Steve Clayton called Niche Blueprint 2 is coming out to help all of us marketers who are doing or want to do ecommerce storefronts. Let me ask you will you be there for the release, I already have my sport inline and I recommend that you do as well. Happy New Year 2010 everyone!

*** Does the Google Sniper method work? Yes, I can honestly say from experience that the method DOES work however the workload in order to achieve great success is hugely underplayed in the sales material. If you’re an experienced internet marketer and are familiar with Wordpress, YouTube, and Clickbank, then you could probably do it quite fast (around 1-3 hours/blog).

Merchandising

Merchandisers work in coordination with buying teams at head office. Their tasks involve controlling the departmental operations, keeping records of stock, analyzing historical as well as current sales trends. As a merchandiser you will be forecasting the future scenario in terms of consumers’ purchase preferences and competitors’ moves. To pursue a career in this line you need to be a retail-aware graduate with sound numerical abilities and good communication skills.

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http://www.fibre2fashion.com
http://www.articlesbase.com/Business-articles/careers-in-retail-industry-93827.html

I’m thinking about a career in Careers guidance counselling (in England) which I know now falls under the Connexions service. I was just wondering what people thought about it as a career. Is it rewarding? Having already worked in social services I am aware of the difficult people that you deal with but what I want to know do you feel as though you’re making a difference and is it worthwhile?

I have a son due to leave school in May. I worry every day about him getting off to a good start and finding a worthwhile job. He has a hip problem, he is not above average academically but he is loyal, honest and hardworking. I hope with all my heart that there is someone at Connexions who cares enough to help him make a start in life as an adult, particularly because I do not live in England so what I can do for him is very limited.

Big News Another great new product by Tim Godfrey and Steve Clayton called Niche Blueprint 2 is coming out to help all of us marketers who are doing or want to do ecommerce storefronts. Let me ask you will you be there for the release, I already have my sport inline and I recommend that you do as well. Happy New Year 2010 everyone!

*** Does the Google Sniper method work? Yes, I can honestly say from experience that the method DOES work however the workload in order to achieve great success is hugely underplayed in the sales material. If you’re an experienced internet marketer and are familiar with Wordpress, YouTube, and Clickbank, then you could probably do it quite fast (around 1-3 hours/blog).

I am 55 and I still remember with appreciation what the youth employment service did to find work for me when I left school.

If you are the kind of person who gains satisfaction from playing a pivotal role in making a start in life for young adults then there can be few jobs more important.

Are you interested in photography? If so, you may want to look into ways that you can make this your career. Although you may not think it is possible to make a career out of the field of photography, the fact of the matter is that you most definitely can. And not only can you make it a career, you can also make a lot of money if you know what you are doing.

The first career that you may want to look into is opening your own photography studio. This way you will have the ability to run your own business, and you will never have to worry about working for a boss. Not to mention the fact that you can work when you want, and exercise your own creative juices. It may take a bit of time and money to get started in this type of photography career, but if you become a success you can make a lot of money.

Another photography career that is quite popular is working for a newspaper or magazine. Most publications have at least one full time photographer who is responsible for getting photos for upcoming issues, etc. This is a tough career field to break into, but one that can be fun and profitable. You will have to start at the bottom, and then build your way up to the top if you are interested in this type of career.

Finally, you could look into being a photographer who specializes in photo shoots. Again, this is somewhat difficult to break into, but with enough experience you should be able to reach your goals in time.

If you want to start a career in photography you are not alone. More and more people are becoming interested in this field, and it does not appear that this is going to change anytime in the near future. So start your search today, and you will be working as a photographer in no time at all. There are many ways that you can get involved. Just take your time, and look into every last option.

Francois Botha
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/careers-in-Photography-93554.html

What is HVACR?

The “Heating-Ventilation-Air Conditioning-Refrigeration”(HVACR) industry manages indoor environments. The HVACR industry covers the comfort systems – heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration – that our society depends on year around. The heating and cooling industry is a $150 billion a year business that employs many people and more skilled people are needed to fill the increasing demand. The HVACR industry works on issues that affect our environment such as indoor air quality and protecting the earth’s ozone layer through refrigerant recovery.

Where do HVACR people work?

* Sports arenas

* Shopping malls

* Theaters

* Office and apartment buildings

* Private homes

* Factories

* Grocery stores

* Industrial plants

* Hospitals

* Homes

Technical Jobs are the Fastest Growing Segment of the Economy

Jobs in the $150 billion a year HVACR industry are predicted to increase throughout the end of this decade and throughout the twenty-first century, as demand grows for new industrial, commercial, and residential climate control systems. To maintain or replace older comfort systems, additional new jobs will be created.

The HVACR industry offers well-paying jobs, ranging from a $29, 500 salary for beginning technicians with a two-year Associates Degree to a $40,000 salary for B.S. Graduates with a four-year technical degree. Sales and business HVACR jobs offer similar compensation.

Why is HVACR important in our daily lives?

* In the home people depend on air conditioning and heating to keep comfortable.

* Electronic and computer manufacturers need cool, clean, and very dry air for their products.

Big News Another great new product by Tim Godfrey and Steve Clayton called Niche Blueprint 2 is coming out to help all of us marketers who are doing or want to do ecommerce storefronts. Let me ask you will you be there for the release, I already have my sport inline and I recommend that you do as well. Happy New Year 2010 everyone!

*** Does the Google Sniper method work? Yes, I can honestly say from experience that the method DOES work however the workload in order to achieve great success is hugely underplayed in the sales material. If you’re an experienced internet marketer and are familiar with Wordpress, YouTube, and Clickbank, then you could probably do it quite fast (around 1-3 hours/blog).

* Hospitals, day care centers, and community centers depend on HVACR equipment to maintain comfortable temperatures and good air quality.

* Research labs, medical manufacturers and food preparation companies need HVACR equipment to ensure that their products are pure and safe.

* Farmers, livestock shippers, and fruit growers rely on refrigerated trucks, warehouses, and display cases to keep their products fresh.

* Printers use high-speed, multicolor printing equipment that requires strict humidity control to ensure product quality.

What education and training is needed?

To get started in the HVACR field, you should enroll in the following courses in high school:

* Computer Applications

* CAD – Computer-Aided Design

* Business

* Sales and Marketing

* Air Conditioning

* Math – algebra and geometry

* Sheet Metal

* Electricity/electronics

* Mechanical Drawing

* Blueprint reading

The stronger your training, the greater your chances for advancement in the field! After graduating from high school, you can get additional training at a local community college or at a university.

Scholarships & Loans: Most schools can help you finance your college education through scholarships and loan packages.

100% Job Placement: Look for two-year associate programs or colleges and universities with high rates of job placement. Often they can find jobs for 100% of their HVACR students.

Phil Laboon
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/careers-in-hvacr-education-and-training-for-success-92299.html

My father has a career where he works 42 days straight and then has 42 days off. He repairs military helicopters. What other Careers would off a schedule similar to this?

There are oilfield jobs in difficult locations where they will rotate workers, 4 to 8 weeks onsite, then 4 weeks off. Offshore platforms, remote installations, etc, are most common. Certain major construction operations, e.g. construction of a refinery, power plant, etc, are also likely to rotate personnel on such a schedule. Helicopter and charter pilots going to remote areas, e.g. servicing remote construction, oilfield, etc, sites can be on rotations, too. Field engineers, construction site supervisors, heli-pilots – all very technical specializations with a lot of experience & expertise required.

Big News Another great new product by Tim Godfrey and Steve Clayton called Niche Blueprint 2 is coming out to help all of us marketers who are doing or want to do ecommerce storefronts. Let me ask you will you be there for the release, I already have my sport inline and I recommend that you do as well. Happy New Year 2010 everyone!

*** Does the Google Sniper method work? Yes, I can honestly say from experience that the method DOES work however the workload in order to achieve great success is hugely underplayed in the sales material. If you’re an experienced internet marketer and are familiar with Wordpress, YouTube, and Clickbank, then you could probably do it quite fast (around 1-3 hours/blog).

Most jobs offering a rotation schedule like this are remote locations, "hardship posts," military-related, etc. These jobs often don’t last all that long — maybe a year or two at most. These people are often looking for work!

Employment growth in the food service industry will be spurred by increases in population, household income, and leisure time that will allow people to more often dine out and take vacations. In addition, the large number of two-income households will lead more families to opt for the convenience of dining out.

Chefs, cooks, and food preparation workers prepare, season, and cook a wide range of foods – from soups, snacks, and salads to entrees, side dishes, and desserts – in a variety of restaurants and other food services establishments. Chefs and cooks create recipes and prepare meals, while food preparation workers peel and cut vegetables, trim meat, prepare poultry, and perform other duties such as keeping work areas clean and monitoring temperatures of ovens and stovetops.

Chefs and head cooks also are responsible for directing the work of other kitchen workers, estimating food requirements, and ordering Food supplies.

Executive chefs and head cooks coordinate the work of the kitchen staff and direct the preparation of meals. Chefs tend to be more highly skilled and better trained than cooks.

The specific responsibilities of most cooks are determined by a number of factors, including the type of restaurant in which they work.

Most fast-food or short-order cooks and food preparation workers require little education or training; most skills are learned on the job. Training generally starts with basic sanitation and workplace safety subjects and continues with instruction on food handling, preparation, and cooking procedures.

Large corporations in the food services and hospitality industries also offer paid internships and summer jobs to those just starting out in the field. Internships provide valuable experience and can lead to placement in more formal chef training programs.

Some chefs and cooks may start their training in high school or post-high school vocational programs. Others may receive formal training through independent cooking schools, professional culinary institutes, or 2 or 4 year college degree programs in hospitality or culinary arts. In addition, some large hotels and restaurants operate their own training and job-placement programs for chefs and cooks. People who have had courses in commercial food preparation may start in a cook or chef job without spending a lot of time in lower-skilled kitchen jobs.

Important characteristics for chefs, cooks, and food preparation workers include working well as part of a team, having a keen sense of taste and smell, and working efficiently to turn out meals rapidly. Personal cleanliness is essential because most States require health certificates indicating that workers are free from communicable diseases. Knowledge of a foreign language can be an asset because it may improve communication with other restaurant staff, vendors, and the restaurant’s clientele.

Workers who perform tasks similar to those of chefs, cooks, and food preparation workers include food processing occupations, such as butchers and meat cutters, and bakers. Others who work closely with these workers include food service managers and food and beverage serving and related workers.

Waiters and waitresses, the largest group of these workers, take customers’ orders, serve food and beverages, prepare itemized checks, and sometimes accept payment. In coffee shops serving routine, straightforward fare, such as salads, soups, and sandwiches, servers are expected to provide fast, efficient, and courteous service. In fine dining restaurants, where more complicated meals are prepared and often served over several courses, waiters and waitresses provide more formal service emphasizing personal, attentive treatment and a more leisurely pace.

Bartenders fill drink orders either taken directly from patrons at the bar or through waiters and waitresses who place drink orders for dining room customers. They prepare mixed drinks, serve bottled or draught beer, and pour wine or other beverages. Bartenders must know a wide range of drink recipes and be able to mix drinks accurately, quickly, and without waste. Bartenders should be friendly and enjoy talking with customers.

Hosts and hostesses welcome guests and maintain reservation or waiting lists. They may direct patrons to coatrooms, restrooms, or to a place to wait until their table is ready.

Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers assist waiters, waitresses, and bartenders by cleaning tables, removing dirty dishes, and keeping serving areas stocked with supplies.

Counter attendants take orders and serve food in cafeterias, coffee shops, and carryout eateries.

Food processing occupations include many different types of workers who process raw food products into the finished goods sold by grocers or wholesalers, restaurants, or institutional food services.

Butchers as well as meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers are employed at different stages in the process by which animal carcasses are converted into manageable pieces of meat, known as boxed meat, that are suitable for sale to wholesalers and retailers.

In animal slaughtering and processing plants, slaughterers and meatpackers slaughter cattle, hogs, goats, and sheep and cut the carcasses into large wholesale cuts, such as rounds, loins, ribs, and chucks, to facilitate the handling, distribution, and marketing of meat.

Bakers mix and bake ingredients in accordance with recipes to produce varying quantities of breads, pastries, and other baked goods.

Other food processing workers – such as food batchmakers; food and tobacco roasting, baking, and drying machine operators and tenders; and food cooking machine operators and tenders – typically work in production areas that are specially designed for food preservation or processing.

With the extent of growth in the industry of food service, managers are going to be in high demand. Management positions in the food service industry are diverse. Succeeding in the industry takes drive, ambition, and the desire to please people as the food service industry is about customer service. It also requires a lot of energy, an outgoing personality, and the ability to be comfortable working with a variety of people from a variety of backgrounds. You also need to be a risk taker and have the ability to solve problems quickly.

The college degree gives the foundation on which to build the management career. And, if your course work included financial and management classes it’s even better. Your degree will enable you to start as an assistant manager instead of an hourly employee.

Employers will be looking for evidence that you are interested in the field and understand its demands; experience is your evidence. Ideally, you’ve served an internship or apprenticeship for a food service employer, but summer and part-time jobs as a waiter, hostess, or cafeteria worker will also show employers that you understand the industry.

Josh Stone
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/a-variety-of-rewarding-careers-in-the-food-service-industry-91643.html

How To Prepare For Your Interview At The Post Office

Here are a few tips on how to prepare for your interview at the post office:

Prepare Beforehand

Do your research work well. It is extremely important to have some knowledge about the concerned company, before you apply for the job. Gain as much information as possible, by browsing through the Internet. Go to the company’s official website and read thoroughly, before you actually face the interview board or panel. This is extremely helpful to create a positive impression on the interviewer and express your interest in the job. If you find it hard to answer some of the questions concerning your knowledge about the company, it sheds bad light on your ability. Thus, it is always important to gather background information, like the company’s history, various divisions, locations and mission statement. All this can be freely accessed in the “About Us” section of the company’s official website.

Dress Appropriately

When going for your job interview at the post office, you should dress appropriately, in a neatly tailored and immaculately clean outfit. For a good first impression, a polished look is what matters the most. If you are not dressed suitably, the interviewer will probably lose interest in you and your chances of getting the job will be reduced.

Effective Communication Skills And Body Language

Strong communication skills are very important, even for a career at the post office. Communication is very important and it is important to speak well at the interview. However, it is also essential to interact in a positive manner with your possible future employer.

Good body language is also very important. Maintain eye contact, and have a firm handshake. This indicates that you are a confident and engaging person. These are all positive attributes and will always work to your advantage. Every employer looks for someone who exudes self-confidence.

Eligibility Requirements

-Minimum Age Requirement: 18 years, with at least a high school diploma.
-Citizenship: Employees are required to be citizens of the United States or permanent residents.
-Language: Fluency in English is a must.
-History Of Employment: Employees must give the names of their present and past employers.
-Criminal Record: Prior to employment, the candidate’s criminal record is first checked locally. Once employed, a more extensive criminal record check is done.
-Drug Testing: Urinalysis drug screening is done to verify that the employee is clean and drug free.
-Medical Tests: Medical tests are conducted to check whether a candidate is medically fit to perform the required functions.

If you wish to pursue a career in the post office and are eligible to do so, it is advisable to follow the specified tips, to be instantly chosen.

Tony Jacowski
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/post-office-Careers-125771.html

Are you somebody who has constantly got a smile on their face? Are you bubbly, fun and have an affable nature? Can you handle late nights and working hard? If the answer to these questions is yes then maybe a career in the hospitality industry is worth some consideration.

Although often overlooked as a long term career option the trade could not be more rewarding. It provides the scope for close customer relations, professionalism and is mostly enjoyable, although handling stress is a major component of the Business.

When looking for jobs in the trade a few factors are worth contemplating. Unfortunately the lower echelons of the business are not well paid. Being a waitress or part of the bar staff is often extremely hard work. Stressful at times, coping with waves of customers who all want service immediately is something you will have to cope with.

Before you shy away however, dealing with these customers through speedy and efficient service can be the most rewarding element of the job, getting through a service period successfully having laboriously served all of the patrons leaves you with a feeling of exhilaration, the adrenaline rush is outstanding.

Being busy however is not the only element of working in the trade. When times are slow it is possible to get to know your customers. For me this was the most enjoyable part of the job, chatting to regulars about their lives and past experiences truly gave the job an interesting element.

This is where for those in the lower pay band can achieve greater bonuses; by providing exemplary service and showing real care for your customers, tips and free drinks will come flying your way. This brings the next element of the hospitality trade, for those working in hotels and bars, late nights are often par for the course.

Working until two in the morning can be tiring but also gives a sense of satisfaction as you pour the last drinks of the night, kick out the final customers, clean up and perch yourself at the bar with your colleagues and savour the drink that is in front of you. Unfortunately with a whole bar at your disposal it is often easy to carry on drinking after closing time until the early morning.

For those who wish to enter management in any sector, managing a public house, hotel or restaurant can be valuable experience. It tests almost all of the capabilities you will need to be a successful manager. Whether you need to drive a team through a stressful service session, deal with complaints from irate patrons or check and order weekly stocks.

Managing in the hospitality trade gives attributes of people and time management, deal breaking and logistics. Managing in this sector creates a well rounded candidate who often has good experience in many fields; it can be a good proving ground when beginning a management career.

Jobs in this industry also include those in hotels, jobs here are usually extremely demanding due to people’s requests when in a home away from home, this pushes personal skills to the limit. Often hard to keep your cool a necessity is to remain polite and courteous at all times. The sake of your hotel depends upon reputation so how customers are treated is vital to the success of your business.

Whether considering a career in this business or not, remember at times the enjoyment is immense, if surrounded by a good team even the busy times are fun. In this trade it is vital to keep the customers needs in the primacy, this is paramount to successful trading in the industry. To make it in the trade an easy going outlook to life and a good working ethic are prerequisite, without these it is impossible to succeed.

Shaun Parker
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/careers-in-hotels-pubs-and-restaurants-289492.html

Choosing a career as a Chef is a noble and rewarding career choice. As a chef, you are limited only by your own imagination. The skills that are taught in culinary school are the basis for the rest of a chef’s career.

A chef does not just cook food. A chef prepares culinary masterpieces using their skill and imagination. There are different kinds of chef in the culinary industry. All leave school with the art that they were taught, but only a handful has the true spirit of a chef.

A chef can prepare any meal, but there are specialty chefs who prepare specific menus. When choosing A Pastry chef career, the student is taught the in’s and out’s of every aspect of the pastry world. They are taught how to prepare decadent desserts that are fit for royalty. In some instances, after years of honing their art, they may be chosen for just that.

Choosing to be a chocolatier is another form of chef career. This for some is their calling. This form of chef creates incredible desserts and works of art out of chocolate. This type of chef career only the imagination will limit what can be accomplished.
When a chef career is chosen, the chef must prove himself or herself before being accepted. Some choose to start out in a small establishment to receive the hands on training that will develop their talents over time.

A souse chef is the position all chefs start out. They do all of the prep work. They chop, dice, boil and anything else that the master chef requires.

Line cooks who prepare just an entree. This can be where some find their calling. By working as a line cook, the chef can decide which area of the culinary field they want. Each station has the title of the chef. Grill cook, fry cook, or vegetable cook.

Each chef is stationed at a stove, grill or oven, and has all of the necessary ingredient to cook the entree that they are assigned. A chef who works in a five star restaurant is there because he or she has established him or herself and formed a reputation as being the best. They can prepare any dish with ease, and create culinary masterpieces. They know the best temperature for each dish and what condiments accent each dish.

A short order cook is found mostly in diners and coffee shops. They cook limited items such as pancakes, eggs, burgers and other fast food items. There is really very little creativity needed for a short order cook.

A chef is responsible for everything that that goes on in the kitchen. He or she is not only responsible the food preparations, but also ordering food supplies, cooking utensils, appliances, and instructing kitchen staff on what to do and how to do it. In mid sized to larger restaurants, the menu’s tend to offer a variety of choices.

The kitchen needs to have a staff that can adequately handle the flow of orders. In mid to large sized establishment there would have to be several chefs, with the master chef being in charge. In larger establishment, there will also be an executive chef and a head cook. These two positions go hand in hand with the coordination of the kitchen. Depending on the type of restaurant, the responsibilities of the chef vary.

If the chef is working in a cafeteria, or an institution such as a daycare or nursing Home or hospitals, the chef will prepare large quantities of specific foods and very limited menu options.

A restaurant cook usually prepares more of a variety. The menu in a restaurant is more diverse. There are more cultural dishes to be prepared in a restaurant and it is more of a challenge to a cook.

Another chef career choice is a personal chef. These chefs work in private households planning and preparing meal according to the client’s dietary needs or wants.

They do everything, order food and supplies, prepare the meals, and clean the kitchen and wash the dishes. In some instances, the chef may also serve the meal. There is usually very little appreciation in this type of position.

Restaurant chains, food growers and manufacturers all have research chefs on staff. They have the knowledge of food and science combined to assist in the development of new recipes. Companies such as Frito Lay and Kellogg’s use research chefs. For the most part, restaurants and kitchens in institutions have up to date kitchens with the most modern equipment.

In smaller, older diners, the kitchens are usually not as standard. They are designed poorly with inadequate ventilation and cooling systems. Kitchen staff, if any usually work in cramped quarters and sometimes safety is an issue. There are more accidents in smaller kitchen then in larger ones.

Chefs of every style of cooking have a few things in common. One being they all work long hours everyday and often on holidays. School cafeteria chefs are one of the few that have routine hours. The restaurant chef usually works a twelve-hour day. This is necessary because they have to check the food deliveries in the morning for freshness, and then plan the menus, which takes an enormous amount of time.

Because restaurants, big and small, are opened for business very early and close very late, the opportunity for teenagers to gain employment. These types of positions are great for high school and college students. It is also a great opportunity for a culinary student to find out if a chef career is the right move.

Short order cooks require very little training. The skills that are needed are learned on the job. For those who want to learn the skill and techniques of the masters, there are culinary schools all over the country, and the word. Most people cannot fly to Paris to attend culinary school, for them there are excellent culinary colleges in their own communities. The teachers at these schools are all master chefs, and can pass on their knowledge to their students.

Josh Stone
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/a-variety-of-rewarding-chef-careers-88625.html

The term spa is traditionally used to mean a place where water that is believed to have special health-giving properties occurs. This is usually a mineral or hot spring, and can include cold water treatments. The term is derived from the Belgian town of Spa.

A business traveler wants to minimize jet lag. A mother of three wants some time to herself. A group of friends plans a birthday celebration. A man with back pain seeks relief. A teenager is troubled by acne. A weekend warrior is sore from overexertion. A man decides to stop smoking. A busy executive wants to rediscover spirituality. A woman wants help establishing a safe and effective exercise regimen. An obese man needs help controlling his weight. A pregnant woman wants to feel more comfortable. A couple wants to reconnect. Where can all these people go for help? A spa.

The growing spa industry, valued at around 6 billion dollars in the US alone (ISPA Industry Study 2000, Price Waterhouse Coopers LLP), represents more than just another consumer market. It reveals a pressing need for those in the wealthy western world to re-evaluate rather than elaborate their life-styles.

A destination spa or resort spa is a business establishment which people visit for personal care treatments such as massages and facials in a hotel setting. Destination spas are often in exotic locations or in spa towns. Destination spas offer similar services to a beauty salon or a day spa, but people reside at a destination spa instead of just visiting for a treatment. Resort spas are generally located in resorts.

Today’s spa is a center for healing and nourishing mind, body, and spirit. People go to spas for fitness, stress management, peace of mind, pampering and pleasure, and health and wellness. Spas offer a wide variety of techniques and services – traditional and modern, from the East and from the West – to meet the diverse needs of their clients: Swedish, Japanese Shiatsu, and Thai massage, European facials, acupuncture, Dead Sea salt scrubs, Moor mud wraps, aromatherapy, reflexology, reiki, aura imaging, hypnotherapy, classes in nutrition, meditation, journaling, yoga and Tai Chi, state-of-the-art fitness centers with personal trainers, and much more. Other types of spas include day spas, club spas, cruise ship spas, medical spas, and mineral spring spas.

Typical spa services include:
nutrition counseling
weight loss
medical treatment
massage
reflexology
facials – facial cleansing with a variety of products
nail care
waxing – the removal of body hair with hot wax
body treatments such as body wraps, aromatherapy
skin exfoliation

Not every spa includes every domain. Spas come in many shapes, sizes, and focuses – from day spas where you can get a single treatment to destination spas where you can stay for a week or more to medical spas that treat cosmetic and chronic health problems.

For well over a decade now, it’s become increasingly clear that hotel and resort spas are here to stay! Properties that added a spa or upgraded their existing spa have benefited enormously. Increasingly, the savvy, health-conscious guest will choose to spend time at a property where spa services are offered. Since prestige levels, as well as occupancy levels, are elevated, staffing these spas with top-quality personnel will continue to be a priority for these hotels and resorts.

In order to become a spa therapist you need to have a unique combination of skills and require a great deal of training. You will also have to possess an almost unrivalled ability in a vast array of skills. You will have to be an excellent communicator not only with your friends and the people you know well, but with people from every age group, social background, ethnic origin, occupation and gender.

You will need to have a high degree of physical stamina due to the nature of the work and long working hours
You will have to learn basic rules of chemistry, physics, human anatomy, physiology and mathematics
You should be highly dextrous
Your personality should be vibrant, sparkling, strong and interesting
You should be diplomatic, sympathetic and have the ability to listen and communicate well
You will have to be prepared to undertake a long initial training and then to continue training for the rest of your working life.

To find all these qualities in a single individual is very difficult. That is why good spa therapists are rare and rare skills should be rewarded. The pay while training may be low, but it is often enhanced with tips and gratuities from clients and will be increased further by commission earned through selling retail products to clients. Spa therapists in top spas and those who progress to supervisory or management positions will earn even more.

Spa Directors
A Spa Director at a top-quality resort or hotel will oversee many areas, such as staffing, training, product purchasing, merchandising, setting up a strong Retail outlet, budgeting and forecasting. He or she may be asked to help market the spa and be knowledgeable about Internet advertising and have Public Relations’ contacts. Spa Directors are often asked to help design new or additional spa areas and see the project through to opening. A seasoned Spa Director with a broad range of experience may be compensated in the $70-125K range.

A Spa Director just starting out at a small to mid-sized spa will, of course, not be offered as high a salary. The general salary range for this Director will typically be in the $50-65K range. All candidates must have a high level of operational experience and several certifications, including CPR and First Aid. The letters in CPR stand for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, a combination of rescue breathing (mouth-to-mouth resuscitation) and chest compressions. If a man isn’t breathing or circulating blood adequately, CPR can restore circulation of oxygen-rich blood to the brain. Without oxygen, permanent brain damage or death can occur in less than 8 minutes.

Assistant Spa Directors/ Spa Operations Managers
Salary range is generally $40-65K, dependent on the factors cited above and location, cost of living, etc. Candidates must have previous experience in a spa setting.

Taking a CPR Course
Qualified instructors use videos, printed materials, and demonstrations on mannequins representing infants, children, and adults to teach proper techniques for performing CPR. The American Heart Association’s basic life support course that includes CPR lasts about 6 hours and is sometimes held in two separate sessions. The courses teach CPR procedures for infants (under 1 year old), children (1 to 8 years old), and adults.

Participants practice the techniques on mannequins and have opportunities to ask questions and get individualized instruction. The final test for the course is a combination of demonstrating CPR skills and taking a written test.

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Josh Stone
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