Stepping Stone Jobs

What we name something matters.

It sets a tone that alters our attitude.

Give something a new name and the difference may seem insignificant or even trivial.

However, if it changes our attitude, it can amount to a very big change.

Recently, I heard the term “survival job.” Continue reading

Bullseye Interviewing

An interview is much like a blind date. You have sweaty palms, heart palpitations, shaky nerves and a preconceived notion of what could happen. The perfect scenario unfolds in your mind, where you are calm, cool and collected, dressed smartly, totally in control, enthusiastically meeting the other person’s gaze and brimming with confidence. However, that idea has begun to unravel, because as of right now, you are LATE, because you got lost, forgot your resume, wore a shirt that is making you sweat and have pulled a muscle breaking in new shoes. As you are being led to the boardroom, you’re informed that your possible Superiors will be sitting in. Panic sets in with the realization that this blind date is over before it even begun. Continue reading

Tips for Handling On the Job Setbacks

If you’ve chosen a business career, you will inevitably experience some type of setback. And whether your pet project is canceled, your performance review is a bust, you get turned down for a promotion, or you’re asked to leave the company, setbacks hurt big time. Nevertheless, if you start thinking of yourself as a victim or allow yourself to lapse into prolonged negativity, you won’t be hurting anyone except yourself. Worrying until you get sick, abusing drugs or denying that you’ve reached an impasse won’t help either. The best strategy for making a comeback is to recognize the reality of the situation, acknowledge your feelings and find a way to cope productively. Here are some other tips you might find helpful: Continue reading

Take Charge of Your Job Search: 12 Steps to Success

Despite what many people may say, a job search does not have to be an unpleasant experience. There are those people who choose to take charge of the process, who actually find the process to be very rewarding and stimulating. Conducting a job search is in many ways a self discovery process and an opportunity to put your true endurance and attitude skills to the test. Continue reading

One Step at a Time in the Job Search

What is the first step to take in a job search?

Let’s start with “Who Am I?” If the job seeker can answer that question easily, then the rest of what to do, comes easily.

It is often the hardest thing to do in a job quest, or anything else in life.

Answering this question cannot be answered by a recitation of job roles. Job roles are what a person did in a job; the tasks performed. Continue reading

Q & A How to Find a Great Search Firm

Q & A

Q: Are people sometimes cautious of ‘headhunters’?

A. Yes. However the industry has evolved over the last decade and steadily gained more respect. Now recruiters go to the same lengths that other professionals do to be certified by obtaining a Certified Personnel Consultant (CPC) designation. Continue reading

What Makes Americans Hate Their Jobs? This Advice Turns That Epidemic Around

Here are the sobering facts: studies show that almost 70% of all employees dislike or downright hate their jobs. These dissatisfied, disillusioned people have no further career goals. Dreading the workday is a common heartache in millions of homes. Our job-hating crisis leads to lower productivity, adversely affects our economy, and — worst of all — causes strain on personal relationships. Continue reading

Are Your Intentions Clear in Your Job Search?

1. Do you REALLY know what you want?

2. Do you know yourself well? What your interests, talents, and transferable skills are?

3. Are you articulate? Can you explain what you want and do it clearly?

4. Do you have supportive people interested in you and your welfare? If not, find some, NOW!

5. Do you have a network of contacts? Start with your friends. Continue reading