Lately I've been thinking a lot about productivity goals. Yes ... I do have extra time on my hands. But it's just that I see the word productivity blasted all over social media. How to get more for yourself. How to encourage others to produce more … [Continue reading]
Job References: Why You Should CALL Your References
If possible, you should call your references before your job interview. You want to make sure that they are available and willing. And that you have their correct contact info. Also, you might get a feel for how positive they'll be -- and if … [Continue reading]
Job Search: Why Networking Matters So Darn Much
My friend got a job at a major tech company recently. And networking got her there. When it comes to job search, networking matters not just a little but a LOT. Especially now. But not the hit-and-run kind of networking. I mean the other kind. Where … [Continue reading]
No Time or Money To Improve Skills or Volunteer?
Career professionals give a lot of advice. Some good. Some bad. As I say about career experts, we come in all shapes, sizes, colors, genders, beliefs, and backgrounds. And just because we say it, doesn't mean it's true for you. Or, if you like the … [Continue reading]
Do You Feel Like an Outsider at Work?
Do you ever feel like an outsider at work? If so, you're not alone. Some people almost always have that feeling -- even in jobs they like. And, if we really think about it, many of us have had that feeling other times too. Maybe at home when growing … [Continue reading]
Daring To Imagine a Different Life!
"You are daring to imagine a different life!" Thus Birdie (Jean Stapleton) comforts Kathleen (Meg Ryan), who decides to close her store in You've Got Mail. Whether you like the film or not (okay ... it's one of my faves), the words offer a … [Continue reading]
I Don’t Meet Job Requirements. Should I Still Try?
For many people, if they look at a job description and see that they don't meet job requirements, they won't apply. End of discussion. But, as you may guess, it's not the end at all. There's a lot more to say. For instance, a job seeker may have a … [Continue reading]
Coworker Betrayed Me. Now It’s Hard To Trust.
A reader writes to say that a coworker betrayed her. "He pretended to be my friend. But then he went behind my back, revealing a secret to our boss that got me in a lot of trouble." She also says he set her up by encouraging her to take an action … [Continue reading]
Positive Side of “Negative” Thinking (at Work & Beyond)
First, let me say that I'm a big believer in thinking positively. Seeing yourself succeeding. Believing that there's always a way -- even if not exactly as you first imagined. But that often gets muddled with the idea of negative thinking always … [Continue reading]
Job Rejected You? Sample Rejection “Thank You” Note
So you're probably wondering why anyone would want to thank a company for rejecting them. That's certainly NOT your first reaction. Well, since you didn't get the job anyway, what could it hurt to try once more to connect? This sample rejection thank … [Continue reading]
Job References: Sample Reference Page (with Notes)
From the very first glimpse of your resume and beyond, impressions happen at every stage of the interview process. And that includes the reference list you give / send to the employer. So here's an example I created of a sample reference page you can … [Continue reading]
Why a Resume Gets Rejected — Even Good Ones!
One truly annoying thing about the resume screening process is that even a great resume gets rejected now and then. And that probably happens a lot more often than most employers might think. Before a resume even has a chance to be seen, the … [Continue reading]
25 “Crazy” Interview Questions They Might Ask You!
As a way to prep for your job interview, here are some "crazy" interview questions to help -- and some logic to help you give answers bosses are looking for. Think of these as good brain stretchers. By the time you're done with them, you'll be happy … [Continue reading]
Thanksgiving 2020: Gratitude For My Readers
I just want to say a few words to all of you who visit and send kind comments. This is a time where we traditionally stop to think about the things we're grateful for. But 2020 has also given us many things that might make that a lot more … [Continue reading]