Career Management Basics

Two years ago I was laid off from my job. Before that I never had to be in a job search - in fact, all of my job changes were simply a result of opportunities that found me. This means I never knew the stress, amount of time required, level of detail... (More)

Avoid a 3-Ring Circus with these New Interviewing Strategies

I referenced the circus because I just finished another interviewing book that recommends asking for the job before leaving the interview. I can envision up to 15 qualified professionals each asking the interviewer for the job. If each asks for the... (More)

How to Write an Interview Thank You Letter

Sending a thank you letter is as important as interview preparation. But they're tough to write, so people either tell themselves that not sending one doesn't matter, or they procrastinate until it's too late and almost pointless anyway.'yone who... (More)

From 'Just A Job' To Your Dream Career

Are you in a career you love, or in a job you are tolerating? What's the difference? If you're working strictly to earn a paycheck to pay the bills, you have a job. If your days are filled with passion and delight for the work you do, you have a... (More)

Is It Time to Update Your Resume?

The motto "Be prepared," isn't just great advice for Boy Scouts; it's also great career advice. You never know when the perfect career opportunity will present itself. If a recruiter called you today with your dream job, would you be prepared to send... (More)

What's Your Game Plan

It's hard to get excited about our careers sometimes. Especially when bad news surrounds us. Between high unemployment, low morale, and reduced compensation, who can blame us for not wanting to jump out of bed energized and ready to start each day?

Are You Ready for a Job Change?

Money isn't the only reason why people change jobs. Sometimes the work environment, stress, lack of cooperation among staff, and personality conflicts can contribute to unhappiness and dissatisfaction with your job. Take this quiz and find out if you... (More)

How to Ask for a Raise--and Get It

When was the last time you asked for a raise? If you are like most people, you waited until you were frustrated, angry, and resentful. Not the best frame of mind for trying to make a positive change. You probably made some critical mistakes.

What Questions Can Employers Legally Ask?

What questions can employers legally ask? When dealing with background checks, are there limits to how far back they can go? Are they just looking for felonies or misdemeanors too? I hate answering these questions. I am in the process of getting an... (More)

The Breakfast of Champions

Call it a slogan, a branding image, a tagline. When you hear it or see it, you know exactly what the product is and what it might do for you. Walk down the aisle of any food store and you'll encounter hundreds of similar slogans that reach into your... (More)

Want a Big Raise, Look For a New Job

Tom was a longtime Boeing engineer who loved airplanes and believed he'd have a permanent lifelong career with the company. His layoff caught him by surprise. He panicked. He worried about who would hire him now and how he would afford his son's... (More)

6 Steps to Ensure That You Always Have a Job

Did you ever notice that there are certain people who have great jobs? They are always working on a consistent basis even in shaky industries and uncertain times? And then there are those who are either constantly unhappy in their careers, or go for... (More)