Career Creature

Stay-at-Home Mothers Returning to the Workforce

2008-09-03T07:37:00.000-07:00

Some mothers decide to return to work after six or more years of being a stay-at-home parent. This large gap in employment has often been a turn-off for potential employers. Even if you decide to return to the field of work you were in before temporarily retiring, there is often still an old-fashioned stigma associated with mothers abandoning their careers to stay home and raise a family.

Although this thinking is out-of-date and unfair, it still exists. Many employers fear that you will not be fully committed to the job. Be confident. Many working mothers today have more experience under their belt and bring more to the table than the younger crowd.

Showcase skills obtained while raising a family. Raising a family is no easy task and many of the skills honed are marketable and transferable into the workforce. Even though today’s work force is filled with young, well-educated individuals, mothers have wisdom and maturity, which are unattainable without life experience. They offer a different perspective in the business world. Positively embrace the time you were able to spend at home and even let employers know that you feel lucky to be able to have spent the time you did at home.

By staying at home you have mastered: inventory control, purchasing, planning, budgeting, scheduling, motivation, teaching, good work ethic, loyalty, persistence, communication, time-management, people skills, multitasking and probably a dozen other skills necessary for raising a family. If you were to read this list of skills in a different context, it would appear that all the skills required to carry out typical business operations were specified. This should boost your self-assurance while transitioning back into the workforce.

Stay connected. Remain in touch with employment contacts you made while working. You never know when you will need their help again. Employee referrals are vital in the hiring process. Networking is also helpful in finding new contacts within your field. It wouldn’t hurt to brush up on workforce happenings by attending seminars, events or local classes/programs. You never know who you will meet.

Keep up to date with the ever-changing workforce. If you have been out of the workforce for six or more years, chances are that technology has passed you by. Basic IT skills, such as Internet navigation and the ability to send e-mails, are now required for almost every position. In order to remain competitive, consider taking online courses or even those offered at local community colleges. If your career requires specific certifications, make sure those are current.

You also want to update your resume and cover letter. References, skills and experience are gained over time and you want to make sure these are included. When you find a job that you feel matches your skills and that you would be able to perform, create an appealing application to present to employers. Your resume and cover letter should be skills-based instead of highlighting the employment gaps. Do not be afraid to mention any volunteer work you have done while out of the paid workforce. This unpaid work can often translate into a paid opportunity.

Overall, remain positive. If a perspective employer does not recognize your extensive resume after working as a stay-at-home mother, then you probably do not want to work for them anyway. Be patient, the right job is out there.

Using Job Recruiters – Part 2: The Upside

2008-08-28T07:06:00.000-07:00

If all networking possibilities have been exhausted, then it is usually a good time to turn to a job recruiter. A good job search consultant should be able to help any qualified candidate find a good job fit. One must be enthusiastic when working with a recruiter. Although recruiters would like to place candidates, they will focus on candidates who keep in touch and are quick to follow-up.

Make sure there are no fees associated for the recruiter’s services. There are legitimate recruiters out there who do not charge the job seeker; they will be compensated by the employer. Also, have a clear career path in mind and find a recruiter that specializes in a specific field of work.

It would also be wise to pick just one recruiter. If more than one recruiter is being used, it is important to let them all know exactly who else is distributing the same resume. If this is not clear, two or more recruiters may be fighting over the commission rights from a candidate’s placement.

A high-quality recruiter will do more than simply mass distribute a resume. Recruiters have access to jobs that are not publicized. Often employers seek out recruiters to fill specific high-level, or even 100K+ salary positions. They are seeking only well-qualified individuals to fill these exclusive positions and it is easier to have a recruiter weed through resumes and candidates. This way the employer is presented with only the most experienced applicants.

Since recruiters have relationships and work directly with many employers, therefore increasing the exposure of potential employees. This can be an extremely beneficial situation for job seekers to be in since many employers do not provide direct contact information when applying for a position.

The recruiters’ connections will also prove valuable as they will be able to provide insider information. This will give applicants an advantage when polishing resumes and interviewing. Recruiters are also there to help with final job agreements. They are skilled in salary and benefits negotiations. Remember, the more you make, the more the recruiter makes!

Using Job Recruiters - Part One: The Downside

2008-08-27T06:46:00.000-07:00

Job recruiter, also known as headhunter and job search consultant, is defined as someone who “can work on his/her own or through an agency and acts as an independent contact between their client companies and the candidates they recruit for a position.” The decision to use a professional job recruiter is a personal one, but here is some information about them to guide you in your search for the perfect job.

There are two types of recruiters: “retained recruiters” are secured by and work directly for employers and receive a salary for their work with or without placement results while “contingency recruiters” are independent from employers and are paid per referred candidate. There are also executive or niche recruiters, which also fall into one of the above categories, who usually focus on high-level positions that are rarely publicized.

Although there are many upsides to using a recruiter, there are some negative aspects as well. For instance, contingency recruiters are paid commission for each successfully placed candidate. Their commission is usually between 20 and 30 percent of a candidate’s starting salary. In these cases, candidates may get short-changed with a starting salary. Cost-conscious employers will be looking to reduce their recruitment fees by paying the headhunter a lower commission, which will, in turn, result in a lower starting salary.

Additionally, job recruiters often have many qualified candidates with whom they are working. In the effort to make money, they will concentrate on the best resumes first. Less qualified or poorly written resumes may end up at the bottom of a recruiter’s stack, which leaves a job seeker right back where he/she started before they employed a recruiter.

Since money and placement are motivating factors for recruiters, many of them pressure candidates into positions that are a less than perfect fit. If a candidate’s resume is spruced up to land a job, then that person may end up in a position for which he/she is not fully qualified. Frustration will ensue and it is all downhill from there. In order to avoid these mishaps, make sure an honest, ethical and trustworthy recruiter is employed.

What Not to Share: Workplace Gossip

2008-07-22T11:10:00.000-07:00

How many times have you heard a rumor in your lifetime? Odds are, it’s been more times than you could even begin to count. It can be fun to focus on others’ problems for a while, which is the reason tabloids and paparazzi exist. But, chances are, if you think about someone in a specific way, they’re probably thinking the same thing about you. Don’t you want that to be a positive thing? If you spend 40 hours a week with people you talk trash about, you’re going to be one miserable person.

Negative gossip can exacerbate low self-esteem. Many people spew negative information about others because they have low self-esteem and it makes them feel better about themselves to focus on someone else’ negative traits. This is not lost on your co-workers. They see right through it, and your inter-office respect drops considerably with every negative word you say about someone else.

Gossiping about others can also affect your physical health. Most of the time, focusing on what someone else has that you don’t by putting them down indicates jealousy, which can, in turn, cause mental and physical stress because you want what he or she has and can’t get it. Instead of being bitter, why not seek advice? For example, instead of, “Man, Sidney just got promoted over me, and she doesn’t even deserve it!” you could approach Sidney with a congratulations and ask for some advice on how to follow in her shoes. Backseat your pride for a second and you might just get somewhere!

Not all gossip is bad, however. While negative talk is more likely to make it around the office due to boredom, positive talk takes effort and can really get you ahead. Your co-workers may be surprised to hear you say something great and congratulatory about our aforementioned overachiever Sidney if you were holding out for her job, and chances are that will get back to the head honchos [come on – you know someone in your office (coughDWIGHTSCHRUTEcough) is chatty with the boss(es)]. I highly recommend spreading this kind of gossip, even if you don’t necessarily agree with everything you say. It will make you look like a team player and make your promotion even more likely.

Remember – you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar!

Do You Think the Plunge is Worth It?

2008-07-01T13:17:00.000-07:00

Recently I became intrigued in the debate of the standard work week versus the entrepreneurial week that promises to be busier and more exciting. What is better? Having a nine to five job where your eyes water and you stretch twenty hours of work into forty just so you have something to do? Or being an entrepreneur, building a company up from the ground, being excited about your new business adventure, but also working close to seventy hours a week? Hmm tough decision.

My friend recently quit his boring day job for the exciting and time consuming life of a start-up business mogul. And to tell you the truth, I’m kind of jealous. Not of his hours (which are ridiculous!) but of his passion, challenges, and excitement that he has every day when he goes into work. The best part about starting a company from the ground up is that you will always have work to do. You will always be challenged every day and become part of the brand, the vision, and the ultimate success of the company.

On the flip side, this is not a lifestyle for the family oriented person. Having an entrepreneur’s lifestyle is hectic and can keep you up at all hours of the night. For people who want a schedule, time for family and children, and who don’t have the opportunity to gamble on the success of a start-up business, then a nine to five job is more up your alley. If you can’t commit to the hours and the dedication then this might not be for you. Your friends and significant other might also start to grow weary of your demanding lifestyle.

If you can find the time, energy, and money then a start-up might be one of the greatest decisions of your life. Feeling energized and passionate about work will make you happy and cherish the things around you.

So I ask you, do you think the plunge is worth it? Depending on your circumstances it just might be.

Creative Cubicles

2008-06-13T06:51:00.000-07:00

Ok so this might not be the most inspirational blog but I had to talk about these fun, creative and zen-like cubicles. Heck yeah I would love my cubicle to be a tropical oasis with a trickling waterfall to the left of my desk. You have to see this:

People are actually blinging out their cubicles. It’s like “Pimp My Ride” but for the workplace! You might as well deck out the place if you are spending at least eight hours a day there. Nowadays you can find numerous online companies that will cater to your vision of what you want your cubicle to look like. Say goodbye to gray boring walls!

Keep Your Personal Time Hush Hush at Work

2008-06-11T12:03:00.000-07:00

Away from the office you can pretty much do what you want, right? Wrong. Eating a super-sized McDonald’s meal for dinner or polishing off that bottle of wine might be career threatening moves nowadays. Here are a handful of lifestyle activities that might be putting your job in jeopardy:

Anything in the realm of overeating, drinking alcohol, or smoking cigarettes can make an employer wary. This kind of lifestyle ups health insurance costs and is seen as a threat to have you working for the company.
The next problem is risky behavior. You might love to skydive or go bungee jumping but employers see it as a liability.
Another aspect to be careful of is speech. Keep your blogging skills and choice words about your company to a minimum.
This next issue has been a problem for decades: relationships. Companies scrutinize employees about same-sex relationships, dating someone at a competitor’s company, or sexual harassment in the office.
Finally, a personal issue to keep to yourself is politics. Your conservative boss is not going to like seeing your huge Obama poster hanging over your desk. Keep politics out of the office.

All five of these lifestyle activities can get you fired from the workplace. Make sure you read your employee handbook and understand the rules and procedures. Don’t assume that they are illegally firing you because they might have the justification to do so. Remember to always think before you act. Will your employer find your actions harmful or destructive to your company? Finally, keep your personal life to yourself. You are in no way forced to disclose what happened on your weekend or if you went out for drinks with co-workers the night before. Be cautious about your actions and keep your mouth closed tightly when it comes to your personal life.

To Walk in Someone Else’s Shoes

2008-06-04T09:52:00.000-07:00

We all know how hard it is to make a living. I complain about making enough money to support myself and I only have to support myself. I can’t imagine throwing a family and kids into the mix. Diapers, food, doctors, clothes, rent, and gas. That list could run down this whole page. Minimum wage in the United States is barely enough to support a single person. It is nearly impossible to support a family on it. How is our country blind to the millions of people working for minimum wage and living below the poverty level?

“30 Days” a documentary by Morgan Spurlock, the same genius behind “Super Size Me”, left New York City with his girlfriend to see if it was possible to live on minimum wage for thirty days. The results were mind blowing. Spurlock did random landscaping and labor jobs here and there which would usually last him eleven hours a day. By waiting for the bus to save money he would wind up committing to a thirteen hour day away from home. A day of hard labor and physical pain would produce $46. $46 a day won’t even fill up your tank of gas nowadays. If he got hurt on the job he had no health care and would have to pay bills topping hundreds of dollars. The situation was bleak and eye opening. Not only was it basically impossible for him and his girlfriend to buy food, furniture, and pay rent, but leisure activities were out of the picture. Can you imagine not being able to go see a movie or go out to dinner for a friend’s birthday because that extra ten dollars needs to go towards rent?

People making minimum wage usually average $10,000 - $11,000 a year. If you have to pay $500 a month for an apartment, which is $6,000 a year, then you have already exceeded more than half of your year’s income. Since 1997 the cost of living has gone up but there has been no increase in minimum wage. How do these people do it?

It is hard to imagine that the world is split between so many luxuries and such a high poverty rate. How can some people make hundreds of dollars a day while others aren’t even close to $50 a day? A change needs to be made to help the people who are behind such important operations such as waste management, security guards, farm workers, construction, general labor, and janitors. Thank you Mr. Spurlock for shedding light on the situation most of us overlook. Now we need to act on it.

Attention Women: You CAN Have a Career and a Family

2008-06-03T08:31:00.000-07:00

Women are supposed to grow up knowing how to perform a juggling act. We cook, clean, go to work, and take care of the rug rats that are running around all day. Is it really possible to balance a career and a family? Of course it is. It just takes a little finessing.

Learn to budget your time! When you are at the office, take that time to work. Work hard and produce results. That way you don’t have to take your work home or work extra hours. Work as hard as you can in your eight hour day so that when you are home that time is exclusive family time.

Make sure you schedule time for yourself. I know that when I get stressed and have been going nonstop I need alone time. After being around co-workers all day and then having to come right home to a chaotic house and family, it can make your head spin. Go have drinks with a friend or hire a babysitter for a night and go to dinner with your spouse. You can’t be mom all the time and you need to schedule time to escape every now and then.

Limit your distractions. When you are at work don’t surf the Internet or text message all day. Block out time to get your work done without responding to every text and e-mail. Follow through with the same rule at home. Don’t let distractions like the television or telephone take away from your family time. Know your priorities in the home and in the workplace and learn how to maximize your time in your family and career roles.

You can definitely have a career and a family but you have to remember to prioritize and not feel bogged down. Don’t spend your weekends working, napping, or watching television. Play outdoors or go to the zoo with your family. By doing this you will keep yourself happy and your family too.

Just Another Number

2008-06-02T12:50:00.000-07:00

In the beginning he had been fresh and strong, and he had gotten a job the first day; but now he was second-hand, a damaged article, so to speak, and they did not want him... they had worn him out, with their speeding-up and their carelessness, and now they had thrown him away!
--Upton Sinclair, The Jungle (1906)

Most Americans complain about how much they hate their job. I used to be one of them. There is always something that is unfair or depressing about where you work. But seriously, it’s not as bad as we rant and whine about. You don’t have to walk around the office with a smile on your face, but you should be privileged to have your current job.

A few weeks ago I decided to watch the movie “Fast Food Nation”. For those of you who haven’t heard of the book or the movie adaptation, the author explores the meat packing industry and the risks involved in working in slaughterhouses. The book goes more in depth into disease infested meat and health risks for people who eat it, but we are going to focus on the work conditions. Losing a finger on the job is considered a good day. Being maimed by heavy machinery or inhaling fumes and barely being able to breathe are all too common in this industry. Not only are people injured and face death but they are disregarded by these meat packing companies and never compensated for there health problems. Because most employees are illiterate and posses little to no education, they are easily replaced. Complain about your severed finger and you will be fired. It’s just that simple.

I was completely shocked. It took me awhile to digest these conditions and these jobs that I could never fathom doing. How dare I complain about work when I have an air conditioned office, a computer, and a kitchen I can pop into whenever I’m hungry. Next time your co-worker is taking ten minutes to heat up that frozen meal please don’t lose your temper. People are putting their lives on the line to earn an income, even if that means getting splattered in the face with blood or losing a limb. To them it’s work and money.

The point is that you probably don’t go into work in the morning thinking that you could die. Slaughterhouse workers do. Try to put your work life into perspective and consider job alternatives that you are lucky not to possess. For you Halloween is once a year; for slaughterhouse workers it is every day.

When I Grow Up I Want To Be…?

2008-05-27T07:58:00.000-07:00

When you were five years old you wanted to be a ballerina or an astronaut (or maybe even a dinosaur but you quickly learned that wasn’t possible). Then you got to high school and you wanted to be a lawyer or doctor because that’s what your parents do. Now you are in college or recently graduated and you are so confused! Well don’t settle for that cashier position at your local Taco Bell just yet. Summer is here and it’s time to hone in on your career path!

Before you waste your time career jumping and running a big fat Sharpie through job choices, think about a summer job or internship in a field that interests you. By doing this you can have six weeks of learning and reflecting on a job that you thought would be perfect and might be a horrible match instead. I recently completed an internship at a television station on the production side and after a month I realized that it was not for me at all. I took that opportunity to talk to the production manager and ask him if I could shadow other departments at the station such as programming and promotion. Before jetting out of a place too fast make sure there is nothing else within the company that interests you.

A summer job or internship can give you guidance in your journey for the perfect career. Take this time to talk to professionals, network and shadow those who are experienced in their line of work. Searching for your lifetime profession is exhausting and is usually accomplished by trial and error. If your eyes glaze over working at a lawyer’s office then move on to something else. Don’t get stuck, don’t limit yourself, and don’t think you have to be confined to what you went to school for. Have an open mind and start exploring job possibilities.

Beat Procrastination Before It Beats You

2008-05-23T08:50:00.000-07:00

We have all experienced the evil that is procrastination. The type of procrastination that makes you chat with co-workers for hours on end about anything but work (gossipy conversations about American Idol sound familiar?). Anything in order to avoid that looming work assignment. But how do we combat this evil? How do we motivate ourselves to rid the procrastination before it costs us our job? Well it’s like starting a new diet because you have bad eating habits. Bottom line is that you make the wrong choices. You have bad habits when it comes to making decisions and it may be affecting your performance in the workplace.

Try considering the buddy system. Yes, I am talking about having a buddy like you had in kindergarten for when you walked to the cafeteria. The point is that you shouldn’t try to conquer procrastination alone. See if you can do an assignment at work with someone or schedule specific times that you must work because you can’t reschedule. If you can find someone at work to constantly push you and work with you then you won’t feel so defeated by procrastination.

Reflect on your lifestyle and make sure nothing is a mistake. If you job or your home life is making you depressed then maybe you made a mistake with your choices. Maybe your procrastination at work is signaling you that you went down the wrong career path. If procrastination has always been a part of your nature then that’s fine, but seriously consider if you hate what you do. You could be faking your detestation for your job by heaping on the procrastination.

You have to realize that some things you love to do, some things you are good at doing, and some things should be left for your co-workers to do. Ask yourself if the assignment even needs to be done at all and then ask yourself if it needs to be done by you. See if you can delegate instead of procrastinate. If you can throw all of your passion and creativity into an assignment then the results will be brilliant. If you know that you are going to procrastinate and that you just aren’t a good fit for a certain task then ask to have someone else work on it instead.

Don’t try to hide procrastination in the workplace. You don’t need it to be the invisible elephant in the room when you can do something about it. Have a friend or co-worker help you, change your lifestyle, and delegate assignments. And don’t forget to reward yourself! If you finish something three days before its due instead of the night before then give yourself a pat on the back or eat that illicit chocolate chunk of cake. Make the necessary changes and don't let procrastination get the best of you!

Show and Tell

2008-04-22T10:00:00.000-07:00

Recently, my company advertised an open position on one of the major job boards. This position was not one that required an exuberant amount of education or experience. A basic background in sales would have done the trick. Because of the broad requirements, we received a ridiculous amount of résumés; 400 to be exact.

How does one go about sorting through 400 résumés you ask? Well thankfully we have the ability to turn to our on-site staffing department. Many employers, however, don’t have the same resources and therefore must take time out of their day to do just that: find the perfect candidate out of a pool of hundreds.

You need to make the effort to have your résumé and cover letter stand out as much as possible. I know I am not the first one to let you in on this little secret. But it is a good point to reiterate: be creative, be unique and sell yourself.

Case in point: a good friend of mine is graphic designer. Many designers bring a short portfolio to their interviews. Portfolios are great interview tools but to make sure she was even scheduled an interview she created a virtual résumé website. She designed the entire page and attached a link to it in her résumé and cover letter. She showed them her work without even speaking to them and the best part? She not only got an interview, she got the job.

Of course if you don’t write code, creating a virtual résumé is a little bit more difficult. And for some positions, such as administrative or clerical, it is harder to demonstrate your skills. Here’s an idea that can work for any job you are applying for: create a chart that reflects and compares the abilities the employer is looking for with your own expertise. If you have performance reviews from your previous positions don’t be afraid to send clips of those as well.

Anything you can do to set yourself apart from the vast majority of job seekers is a plus. A good rule of thumb for job hunting? Don’t just tell ‘em, show ‘em!

The Ugly Side of Office Romances

2008-04-21T08:08:00.000-07:00

Most work places have a strict policy about dating coworkers. There are numerous problems that can arise from having a relationship with someone you are supposed to be working with on a daily basis. Here are some things to consider before you jump into the cyclone that mixes work and dating.

First of all, it can interfere with your work. When you are dating a coworker you will be consumed by that person instead of your work. You will try to sneak off together or find time to meet in the break room. You will spend your time flirting instead of working. If you happen to break up with this person then you will spend your time avoiding him or her. The situation might jeopardize your work because you might have to be relocated in order to not work with that person or see them every day.

Secondly, can we say favoritism? If you are dating someone either a notch above or below you on the work ladder then favoritism will definitely arise. You could unfairly rise in the work ladder or be put on a special assignment that you don’t qualify for. Your coworkers will resent you if you or the person you are dating is unjustly receiving preferential treatment in the office.

The worst circumstance that could arise is sexual harassment. This is usually due to a breakup and harsh feelings towards the person you were dating. Your ex could cry sexual harassment just to be vindictive and this could ultimately threaten your job.

Just be careful with combining work and pleasure. Dating at work can be extremely uncomfortable when mixing your personal and professional life. Remember that coworkers will gossip and create animosity towards you if they think what you are doing is hindering your work. It is best to respect your company’s policy on dating and avoid any relationships other than friendship at work. Remember that this is your job, your career and your future. Take pride in what you do and try to find your soul mate in your off hours.

How baby boomers can work for you

2008-04-18T08:51:00.000-07:00

There are 303,882,247 people in America. 76 million of them are baby boomers. Now, not all of them will retire. And not all of them will retire at the same time. But most of their jobs will be up for grabs. What does this mean for you? Fewer workers equals more job openings, which in turn, means more opportunities for you. And there are many things you can do to ensure yourself one of them.

The “skill gap” or “knowledge gap” will become a huge issue for every industry that currently employs baby boomers (which is all of them). A great idea is to learn as much as you can about the industry you’re interested in, how it works, tricks of the trade. Get a baby boomer mentor if you can. The skills and knowledge you retain will ultimately be to your advantage when the retirement frenzy begins.

When their top-level employees retire, companies will start to hire more from within than outside for replacements. Why? They are losing a good percentage of workers and they already know their current staff is capable. The talent pool is getting smaller and smaller, so if you can get a foot in the door of the industry you want to be in, that’s as good of an idea as any. Even if it’s just for a little while; it should pay off in the end.

If you do get an interview, something to bring up is the fact they will assuredly lose some percentage of their employees due to retirement. Mention that you are a quick learner and would love to train for the job while those employees are still there. This would counter the loss of productivity and add to the efficiency in which new hires can fully take over.

The baby boomers in America are reaching retirement age. This fact ultimately leads to the formerly high unemployment level starting to decline. So look up - better times are ahead for everyone.

The Positive Side of Office Romances

2008-04-15T08:56:00.000-07:00

Not all office romances have to go sour. You just have to know how to maintain a good relationship with your significant other, coworkers and boss. It’s a juggling act that may be well worth it to you if you find that special person. Making your relationship work in an office of judgmental and chatty coworkers is a test to see if your career and personal life can coexist in the office.

The best thing you can do with an office romance is to conduct yourself in a formal, professional and efficient manner in the workplace. Make sure that when you are at work that you actually work. It is a professional environment and you need to save squabbles, drama, baby talk and flirting for your off hours. No one wants to see PDA when they are trying to finish an assignment.

Make sure you talk with your fellow coworker and significant other about how you are going to act towards each other at work. Agree to keep it strictly platonic at the office and save the kisses and hand holding for another time. As long as you are both on the same page then there should be no drama in the workplace.

For the sake of your relationship don’t bring work home! In order for your relationship to thrive you need to discuss other things besides work. Talking about a meeting from that day at work is no substitute for pillow talk. Learn to separate your personal life and your professional life. Talking about work all the time will lead to headaches and arguments.

Office romances can work as long as you take the time to set boundaries. Make sure everyone at work is comfortable with the situation and they can come to you if they have a problem. You can let Cupid enter the workplace as long as you understand that you are still there to get a job done.

“I haven’t had my coffee yet” and Other Excuses for Grogginess

2008-04-10T09:26:00.000-07:00

Now let me set this up for you; I’m not a small-talker. I don’t like to make small talk to random strangers that I’ll presumably never see again. And even worse than small talk, I dislike silly little clichéd phrases, like “Well, the early bird gets the worm”. That said, can’t we all put cream and sugar into our coffee in silence? Apparently not, because those words actually came out of my mouth one day.

Over the condiments table, I had an early morning chit chat with this guy about how early it was. And that’s when I said it, the dreaded “Yeah, I haven’t had my coffee yet.” Dun Dun Dun…

So the point is, that coffee really does start to muddle your brain when you haven’t had it yet. And if you are one of those people that need their coffee, I might have a solution. In the morning, instead of sleeping in until the last possible second and trying to condense all of your morning activities, try getting up a half hour earlier. Yes, I said earlier.

Here’s why. Sometimes our bodies need to get a running start, especially in those first morning hours. This means that all of that groggy, slow time before we’ve had our coffee needs to happen at home, and you need the time to do that. By gaining this extra time, you can make a little something to eat and relax. You’ll be calm and ready for the day. It also means that you won’t be in a rush on your way to work.

When you finally do get in to the office you wouldn’t have felt pressured to have gotten there by nine, and you’ll be in a far better mood. Then, because you ate, you’ll jump right into the work for the day and you’ll be surprised at how much and how fast you get things done. Your productivity will soar. By the time you look up, it could be lunch time!

Know your Role

2008-04-03T10:28:00.000-07:00

“Sometimes a player’s greatest challenge is coming to grips with his role on the team.”— Scottie Pippen

We have all felt at one time or another that maybe we are not as important or advantageous to our company as we think we are. Unless you’re in an industry that boasts instant results, such as stock brokering or sales, there is no way to really know how what we do affects the bottom line. And it would be nice to know that we truly are contributing to it.

When you come into the office and do the same thing, day after day, the work can certainly become tedious. More so than that, you may start to wonder how your daily toils actually contribute to the company. Would anyone even notice if you stopped?

The answer is yes. Bosses don’t give out “busywork”; they assign work that needs to get done for the betterment of the company, even if it’s in small ways.

Not the office superstar? We can’t all be, and chances are if you’re not by now, there’s probably a reason for it (of course I could be mistaken and if you’re offended, then by all means prove me wrong). The only thing to do, then, is the work that’s put in front of you. Do it well. Make the company or whomever receives your work, proud. And don’t be bitter if the superstar gets all of the praise. Know that they wouldn’t have gotten there if it weren’t for the work you did.

Are you the assistant? The go-through girl? The make-sure-this-gets-done guy? Know your role in the company and embrace it. If and only if you excel at that position will you move up in the company. Don’t get frustrated or discouraged; keep up the positive attitude and the hard work -- even if it is a monotonous task.

Dare to Dream

2008-03-24T13:06:00.000-07:00

For awhile, I was having dreams about work. Rather, they were nightmares. I was in a new office but with all the same people. And we were using these crazy computers that I had no idea how to use. It seemed I was the only one, however, and everyone else was far too busy to help me. So, I was behind from the very beginning and every time I looked up, my inbox was overflowing. At first I thought they were stress dreams. In actuality I was just fine at work; hardworking, diligent, always in line with everyone else. But every night I was drowning; it was frustrating.

Finally, I decided to look up on the internet what it all meant. The answer: I had anxiety about my job. I was constantly worried about upcoming projects and tasks that needed to be finished. I was concerned that I wouldn’t get everything done in time and I’d be left behind everyone. That, in turn, would make me look bad to my superiors and that is ultimately what I was nervous about.

If you have dreams about work or lack of work or anything to do with the employment field in general, there may be some definite changes you can make to ease your conscience.

Have you been slacking off? Not doing the best you know you can do, can seep into your brain and cause problems with your moral essence. That fact will surely affect your sleeping patterns and cause undue hesitation when it comes time to hit the hay.

It could also mean that maybe you are not as prepared as you think you are, to do the job you were hired to do. This, obviously, would pose a problem to your subconscious and we all know that’s where dreams come from.

On a positive note, if your dreams consist of you working harder and harder to reach the goals, it could signify success on your part. You’re doing the right things, the right way. Either way, your dreams should be work and stress free. You’ve put in your eight hours and the eight you get to spend sleeping should not become billable.

Spice up that Job!

2008-03-13T06:56:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt that corporate America just isn’t for you? Men and women living in a concrete jungle filled with suits, ties, conferences, monotonous voices and a set in stone nine to five schedule. Boring! Where is the pizzazz in the workforce today?

I personally am not a fan of this tedious and lackluster lifestyle. For the people who walk off the beaten path– the people who have bright purple hair and who can’t sit still at a desk for more than five minutes without doodling pictures of their cat – I suggest finding creative jobs. You don’t have to be a carbon copy of the rest of the corporate world for you to go far in your career. Some of the most successful people I have met have had a unique flair that sets them apart from the rest of their industry.

Research from the Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine suggests that boring work could be deadly work. Yikes! Do you really want to keel over one day because your job literally bores you to death? I sure don’t want to be included in those statistics.

I think that most people today take their brain for granted. If you want to break free of the monotony then you need to learn how to utilize the innovative chamber of your brain. I always think of everything I love and how it can be transformed into a job. How can I make my love of vegan food successful? Can I sell my knitting to people online? Funky jobs and lateral thinking can be the saving grace to a mundane lifestyle. Give it a try because the rewards can be immeasurable. Who knows, maybe you will be the next big thing.

Even if you are settled into a career, try and think of ways to improve or modify your everyday routine. Whether it’s adding some flavor to your wardrobe or decorating the office for a holiday. And who says adults can’t dress up for Halloween? Or have a secret Santa gift exchange with only presents bought from the dollar store. Mix things up a little!

Stop staring blankly at your computer monitor and start using your brain. It could lead to an improved lifestyle, or better yet, a promotion. If you haven’t had a frontal lobotomy then stop acting like it and get those wheels turning in your head.

It’s Not the Size of the Dog in the Fight; It’s the Size of the Fight in the Dog

2008-03-12T07:24:00.000-07:00

Everyone gets down in the dumps from time to time right? Well one of the lowest and most depressing moments in a person’s life is when they are unemployed. Most likely you want to sit in bed all day with a box of Oreo cookies while you let the crumbs roll all over the sheets in a big miserable mess. Obviously this isn’t the right way to cope.

It’s funny to think that animals might be able to best understand the rejection and indignity that humans face day to day in the employment world. Dancer, a tiny Chihuahua from Leesburg, FL, has faced numerous struggles such as our own. Born to a dying and abandoned mother, Dancer was no bigger than a human thumb. The veterinarian suggested euthanizing him because of his size and the series of health problems that would ensue. The new owner objected and Dancer has emerged as a healthy and certified therapy dog today.

All prospective employees feel like Dancer at one point in their lives. Discarded and left to rot. Not the most pleasant feeling one can possess. However, Dancer teaches the unemployed, unshaven and day long pajama wearing citizens not to get discouraged.

Even if you are productive from day to day with applying to jobs and rewriting your resume a million times, there are limits to your productivity when you are unemployed. Instead of watching reruns of Project Runway, get out of the house and go volunteer! Being able to see a smile on the face of someone you are helping can bring a huge smile to your own. A positive attitude exudes positive energy and this can be the key to getting you back in the employment game.

Dancer’s owner, Jenny Gomes, said a man in the veterinarian's office offered her $5,000 for Dancer when he found out the dog was an adult. Gomes refused, saying, “No way. You don't sell love.” Almost every job I have ever had presses the idea that if you love your job you will never work a day in your life. You could be offered a huge salary and benefits but if it is something so boring that it makes your eyes glaze over then you should ultimately leave it behind. Just like Dancer, you as an employee should not be bought. You should make a career doing what you love and you will radiate with confidence and happiness.

There is always a healing process when you get discarded but there are ways to bounce back. You have to have the willpower to overcome the career tragedy you have faced and learn from the experience. Just like Dancer, if you find a career you love then it will never feel like work. Stick to that motto and get out of your bed. I mean, if an 18 ounce dog can do it than you can do it too.

Before the Daily Grind Begins

2008-03-11T10:45:00.000-07:00

Okay, let’s take a moment to talk to all of the college kids out there. That’s right, if you’re already out of college and currently fighting in the workforce trenches, take a coffee break. I know, it’s asking a lot to suggest a caffeine hit, but I’m sure you can manage.

Okay, do I just have college kids here now? Good. Let’s talk about your careers.

You should be having the time of you life. You’re away from home with your days filled with classes and nights consumed by frat parties and socials – but you also realize that when this ends in a few years you will have the moment. That’s right, the dreaded realization that you need to find a job.

What you also need to realize is that securing that ideal position when the party ends is entirely dependent on what you do now. A college degree is great, but it will only carry you so far.

For example, go find a former film student. Not a current one with all the dreams and aspirations that go along with the moniker, “film student,” but one who has already graduated and is currently in the workforce. Where do you find one of those, you ask? Try the local video store and you’ll more than likely find one because that’s all the degree will get you.

The degree will educate you on many aspects of the field, but it will do nothing to get you a job. It’s what you do in addition to the degree that counts most. Internships, student work, activities with the online groups – that’s the key.

Journalism students probably know this best. In the midst of taking classes on theory and ethics, they’re also working several hours a day at the school newspaper. They learn to work deadlines, chase down stories, and deal with editors; the nuts and bolts of working in the field.

The same goes for film students. Attending classes and taking tests isn’t enough. It’s working on student films, volunteering at film festivals all over the country and doing everything you can to expand your network of contacts in the industry. A film degree isn’t even a gateway to a job in the industry, all the industry cares about is what you’ve done, what you’ve accomplished – a degree isn’t even necessary. The most it will do is make your parents happy.

You will, of course, have to keep up with your school work, most other industries and fields would like to see exemplary classroom work as well as other activities. Just remember that college is supposed to be an all inclusive experience, encompassing many facets of your education. And, it’s still supposed to be fun.

Ready to Wear: Ideas for Interview Fashion

2008-02-26T10:08:00.000-08:00

If you’ve never held an office job before, you might not know what professional attire looks like. You also might be confused about how to dress for your interview to get such a job.

No matter the job you’re trying to get, dressing nicely is key. You should look neat and polished, with clean hair and comfortable, but dressy, practical footwear. Remember that it’s extremely obvious to even the most casual onlooker that someone is uncomfortable in what he or she is wearing. If you have to wear something you’ve never worn before, test it out. See how it looks when you sit down, walk, put your arm out to shake hands or hold your briefcase. (This is something you could actually do in the changing room before you buy the outfit, too.)

I’ve scoured the internet for some helpful examples of what a job seeker should wear to an interview. Unless you’re going for a lifeguard or beekeeper job, at least one of these outfits should work for you!

For Women
From Target:

From NY and Company:

From Macys:

From JCPenney:

From Dillard's:

From Ann Taylor:

For Men
From Target:

From Macy's:

From Dillard's:

Pop Quiz, Hotshot: Is anyone even looking past your résumé headline?

2008-01-28T14:44:00.000-08:00

If you only had three seconds to grab someone’s attention on the street, how would you do it? Would you shout “Hey!” and risk having her ignore you or not realize you’re speaking to her? Would you ramble about needing to speak to him sometime soon about a great opportunity and risk having him immediately lose interest?

In the case of résumé headlines posted online to the major job boards, you’re lucky if you get that full three seconds of attention before the hiring manager or job recruiter has moved on to the next candidate’s résumé. It doesn’t take a ton of time to read 4 – 8 words and reject them for many varied reasons. This makes it vital that your headline expresses everything you need it to with just a few carefully chosen words.

Think about which articles you most want to read when you see a magazine in the grocery store checkout line. What is it that usually draws you in? Are they talking about the mysteries of the universe or have they just made an average topic seem must-read with a brief but exciting blurb? No, but you still flip to find that article while you’re in line behind a woman with two carts of groceries who’s writing a check to pay for it all.

We’ll start with what not to do. The following headlines are real. They’re also really bad. If you want to find any job at all, you will do your best to make sure your headline doesn’t even remotely resemble any of the following:

"Accomplished Professional in the Business Field" (Really? Can you vague it up a little more for me?)

"Administrative Specialist with six years of experience" (What is an administrative specialist?)

"Design Professional" (Design in which field?)

"Theatrical Set Painter" (Is that your only skill? The only position you’ve ever held? Seems like it.)

"Scanning and Copying specialist" (You’re saying you posses mastery of common office equipment. Anything else you can do? Real work maybe?)

"20+ Years of Experience" (Doing what exactly? Raising kids? Being a student? Playing Tetris?)

"Professional Entertainer" (Nothing says “stripper” more than this headline.)

"Recent graduate with consultant background" (Graduate of dog grooming school? High school? Hogwarts? Need the info!)

"Team Player with two years experience in transportation" (Transporting mail across the country or being a drug mule for Columbian drug lords? Can’t tell with this headline.)

"Hard Worker who Needs a Job" (Actual headline, remember. Who would read further than this, honestly?)

"Legal counselor for two years (was fired)" (::click:: That’s the sound of me deleting this résumé from my in-box.)

Here are a few tips to get you started writing the right type of headline:

1. Keep it between 4 – 8 words. Anything longer than that won’t be read, and anything shorter than that won’t be taken seriously.

2. Avoid all CAPS. This should be self-explanatory, but you’d be surprised. Using all capital letters is the online equivalent of shouting. Shouting is rude. Therefore, using all caps is rude. It’s also juvenile and unprofessional. On that same note, be sure that every word in your headline is spelled correctly (just as you would double-check your résumé, you need to spell check your headline, too).

3. Avoid clichés. The goal is to come up with something as unique as possible that is still very descriptive. You want to differentiate yourself from all of the other candidates.

4. Cover all your bases. Your headline should tell anyone reading it exactly what they’d need to know about who you are as a job candidate.

According to a blog by Harry Joiner, Marketing Headhunter, it should look a little something like this:

Function / Company / Industry / Salary / Relocation preference.

For example: Email Marketing / Land's End / Multichannel Retail / $85K / Will Relo

Trackback for Marketing Headhunter: http://www.typepad.com/t/trackback/5057368

You can make a “Professional Entertainer” sound like someone people will want to hire, it just takes a little creativity and work. Try several different headlines on your résumés to track which ones get the best results!

10 Inspiring Movies to Watch during Your Job Search

2008-01-17T14:25:00.000-08:00

Is the hunt for your new career getting you down? Watch these movies and get back in the job seeking saddle with renewed confidence and the can-do attitude it takes to get the position you deserve!

“Pursuit of Happyness” (2006) – Chris Gardner (Will Smith) has big dreams for him and his family. Chris earns an opportunity to be a stock broker, but first he has to go through a grueling internship which means no pay. Chris decides to do it but when his wife leaves and he is evicted, he has to take care of his son on his own. So they find themselves sometimes living on the street and struggling to get by, but Chris is adamant that they’ll make it.

“Rudy” (1993) – Rudy (Sean Astin) has always been told that he was too small to play college football. But he is determined to overcome the odds and fulfill his dream of playing for Notre Dame.

“Working Girl” (1988) – Tess McGill (Melanie Griffith) is an ambitious secretary with a unique approach for climbing the ladder to success. When her classy, but villainess boss (Sigourney Weaver) breaks a leg skiing, Tess takes over her office, her apartment, even her wardrobe. She then creates a deal with a handsome investment banker (Harrison Ford) that will either take her straight to the top – or finish off her career for good.

“A League of their Own” (1992) – Dottie Henson (Geena Davis) and Kit Keller (Lori Petty) are sisters who work on the family farm. Kit wants to play baseball in the new All American Pro Girls League, but Dottie is drafted instead. Dottie refuses to play unless Kit can come along. The team manager is a drunk, has been baseball player named Jimmy Dugan (Tom Hanks), but after a lot of emotional ups and downs, the team makes it to the playoffs.

“Legally Blonde” (2001) – Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) is president of her California sorority, a Hawaiian Tropic girl, Miss June in her campus calendar, and, above all, a natural blonde. She dates the big man on campus and wants nothing more than to be Mrs. Warner Huntington III. But Warner (Matthew Davis) needs someone to fit into his East-Coast blue blood family to help him become a senator someday. So, when Warner heads off to Harvard Law and reunites with an old brunette sweetheart from prep school, Elle does the impossible and is accepted to Harvard Law, determined to win him back. Elle begins to use her strengths to her advantage and teaches everyone that there is a really smart girl under all that blonde.

“Jerry Maguire” (1996) – When a sports agent (Tom Cruise) has a moral epiphany and is fired for expressing it, he decides to put his new philosophy to the test as an independent with only one client, a difficult and egotistical football player (Cuba Gooding Jr.) who refuses to sign a contract until he gets the big coin – jeopardizing both of their livelihoods.

“The Devil Wears Prada” (2006) –Simple, naive recent journalism grad Andrea Sachs (Anne Hathaway) is hired to work as the second assistant of Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), the ruthless and merciless editor of a famous fashion magazine in New York City. Andrea dreams of being a journalist and tries to treat the job as a temporary professional challenge. To please her picky boss, Andrea changes her attitude and behavior, affecting her private life, but eventually making her successful in her position.

“Any Given Sunday” (1999) – An aging football coach finds himself struggling with his personal and professional life while trying to hold his team together. A star quarterback has been knocked out of the game and a naive football player replaces him only to become a danger to himself and to his teammates. Meanwhile, the coach finds himself constantly at battle with the team owner's money and power hungry daughter intent on moving the team out.

“The Rainmaker” (1997) – Rudy Baylor (Matt Damon) is a young attorney who is the only hope of an elderly couple whose insurance company will not pay for an operation that could save their son's life. Rudy learns to hate corporate America as he fights injustice and the insurance company, all while falling in love with a battered young married woman (Claire Danes) during the process.

“The Cutting Edge” (1992) – NHL prospect Doug (D.B. Sweeney) is injured which leaves him unable to play professionally. Pairs ice-skater Kate (Moira Kelly) is a talented, but spoiled and ill–tempered figure skater who no one will pair up with. As a last result, Kate's coach brings in Doug as a potential partner. Kate tries to antagonize Doug into leaving, but he stays and actually begins to like figure skating. The pair undergoes grueling, rigorous training to get to the Olympics and a possible gold medal...

Let Go of Your Anger

2008-01-11T13:36:00.000-08:00

I’ve left a job or two in my life under the not-so-happiest of circumstances. I’ve had bosses who could try the patience of Job. There’s been a co-worker or two who’ve tried to cause premature balding. And who hasn’t plotted the murder of one of their clients/customers at one time or another? Ok, maybe that’s just me...

But, none of this ever reaches the ears of my new employer.

The myth that you should list the reasons you left you last job probably comes from those three-dollar-a-pad, generic job applications that small business owners pick up from the local office supply store. In the previous employer section there’s a block labeled, “Reason for Leaving.”

If ever confronted with this block, do not commit to paper that your last boss made Napoleon Bonaparte seem sweet. That is what we generally refer to as a faux pas – or “big dumb mistake” in layman’s terms.

The last thing you want to do when approaching a new job is start by badmouthing your old one. All you’ll accomplish is to convince the employer of your negativity, your inability to work as a team member or several other aspects of your personality that won’t get you the job.

Simply don’t put this on your résumé, don’t explain it in your cover letter and if you have to fill in that box on an application, don’t be negative. If you’re asked what you didn’t like about your last job, whether on the application or during the interview, keep it positive, i.e. you weren’t being challenged enough.

You need to let go of all that anger and frustration from your last job. The moment you decided to find a new one all of that stuff doesn’t matter anymore so you can detach yourself from it. Not to mention, it gives you more positive chi.

Researching: now and then

2008-01-03T13:36:00.000-08:00

Remember the joys of the Dewey Decimal System and card catalogues? Researching used to be a lengthy chore, which involved finding books from all over the library—usually different floors of the library—and then sitting at a wooden table with a highlighter and index cards. But all that has changed thanks to the little wonder known as the Internet. Now, it’s an issue of typing in the subject and, poof, related articles are snatched and displayed in a neat list for your convenience. How marvelous.

The World Wide Web has made things a bit easier; in particular, it’s made preparation on the part of the job applicant a bit easier. It’s a common held notion that researching before an interview is a good idea, but few people understand how high the payoff actually is. Well-researched job seekers are more than just informed, they are confident, prepared, and inquisitive—qualities that will help highlight you in the mind of a potential employer.

It’s a good idea to start your research by visiting the company’s official Web site. This will give you general background information, certain corporate policies, and an overall vision. Next, see if the website links to any blogs maintained by the company. This is a popular trend, as it allows the company a personal level of communication between corporate and clients. Also, check out industry blogs to see what the company’s persona is in their respective field. For example, if you're interviewing for a managing position at a fine dining restaurant, go to Google and type in "fine dining blog." When the list of sites come up, click on a few and see what the restaurant's general reputation in its respective industry.

These simple steps will help you achieve a broader view before interviewing, and it’s a bit quicker than thumbing through the card catalogue.

‘Tis the Season for Job Hunting

2007-12-04T14:18:00.000-08:00

According to conventional wisdom, there's no worse time to search for a job than when the year is winding down. But sometimes conventional wisdom isn't entirely accurate.

The truth is that the end of the year may be the best time to find a new job. Here are five reasons why:

1. You face less competition. Buying into popular theory, many job seekers halt their quests for employment in November and December, choosing to save their efforts for when the calendar changes. But take a glimpse at the want ads, and you'll see that employers haven't stopped looking for talent. With fewer candidates vying for the same number of positions, you may have an edge over the competition, unlike no other time during the year.

2. More employers are hiring. Many firms, especially retail companies, increase their hiring efforts in winter to meet rising demand for their products and services. Even though seasonal jobs are often temporary, many hiring managers view these positions as extended, on-the-job interviews and offer full-time employment to promising hires.

3. Companies have budget surpluses. Some employers hire new workers at the end of the year because they have not yet used all of the funds they set aside earlier for adding new personnel. If the hiring managers don't increase headcount during the final two months, they may lose that portion of their budgets and be unable to bring aboard new employees at all.

4. It may be easier to secure an interview. Things often slow down at the end of the year due to vacations and the winter holidays. As a result, hiring managers may be less busy than usual and have more time to review your resume or call you in for an employment interview.

5. You'll get a jump on things. Even if some firms wait until the beginning of the year to add headcount, that doesn't mean they've stopped collecting resumes and considering candidates. By submitting your application materials now, you'll be first in line when the hiring process gets in full swing again.

As 2007 comes to a close, remember that employers are always on the lookout for strong professionals, especially in fields such as accounting and finance and information technology, where skilled workers are in short supply. That means there's no wrong time to look for your next job, no matter what conventional wisdom says.

By: Robert McCauley

Cracking the Job Listing Code

2007-12-03T13:54:00.000-08:00

If you’ve ever looked at a job listing and thought, “I’d be perfect for this job, if only...,” you understand the discouragement a lot of job seekers feel.

When it comes to meeting the qualifications for a job, is there any flexibility? That depends on the employer, but in most cases, the answer is yes. Certainly, it helps to understand how your own experience and needs match up to what the employer wants and is willing to offer, which isn’t always an easy task, thanks to the obscure language typical of many job listings.

Here are some common job listing terms and what they really mean for job candidates.

“Preferred skills” and “Required skills”

“When a job listing says ‘required,’ it’s a lot firmer. Employers are trying to narrow the field,” says Tom Allen, director of career services at DeVry University in Decatur, Ga. A skill that’s listed as “preferred” is not necessarily essential for a candidate to have. In today’s competitive world, however, it’s unrealistic for employers to expect to get a candidate who meets all of their requirements, and employers may relax some of those requirements for a candidate who meets at least most of the requirements. “If you meet 50 to 60 percent of the qualifications, that’s probably not enough,” Allen says. “But if you’re pushing past 80 percent, you’ve got a good shot.”

“Command of” and “Working knowledge of”

If you have “working knowledge of” a certain program, you know the basics of how to operate that program; if you have “command of” a program, you have enough experience with it to be able to explain how it works and use it for more complex projects or a higher level of work.

“Entry-level” and “Experienced”

If a job posting indicates it’s an entry-level position, employers are typically looking for someone who has been out of college up to two years, Allen says. “Experienced” candidates usually have been working for three or more years in the industry or have graduate degrees, which can account for some work experience.

And then there’s the little matter of payment…

Confused by the terms like “competitive” or “scale”? When it comes to salary, research is essential. Online search sites like CBsalary.com provide the average salary for one’s profession, city and level of experience. By figuring out what the “competitive” salary for that job is, candidates can figure out their worth and put up an asking price that’s fair to both themselves and employers.

If an employer asks for salary requirements, Allen says it’s preferable to avoid it altogether, because if you name a salary that’s too low, you are selling yourself short; but if you give too high a number, you can automatically take yourself out of the running. The best way to avoid providing a requirement is to give a range – one that you can live with. Again, do your research beforehand.

There’s less wiggle room, however, when employers ask job seekers to provide salary histories. Because employers can easily verify a candidate’s history, it’s best to be up front about that, says Allen, who’s known some employers ask to see copies of W-2’s.

If you’re still unsure as to whether your skills match a certain job or whether you’d fit in with a company, Allen advises getting an inside opinion. Try to network within the company or the industry in order to meet people who can answer your questions or advise you.

Learning all you can about a company’s culture and the job itself is critical to any job search. Do your research and you’ll have an edge over others who are competing for the same position, because you’ll be prepared and confident come time for the interview, Allen says. “If you play sports, you practice and train to have as sharp an edge as the other athletes,” he says. “Competing for a job is no different.”

By: Mary Lorenz