As they always say “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”

Of course just knowing people doesn’t necessarily get you the job, or the promotion, or the contract you wanted, but it certainly can help; so long as people don’t think you are using them.

It’s true that networking is extremely important, so finding new contacts is the key to your continuing success; you need to learn out about networking meetings or events in your area.

Before you go to an event you should think about what you want to achieve. Who will be there? Decide who you would like to meet and what information you would like to take away. This will ensure that you remain focused and have a successful meeting. Continue reading →

Millions of people everyday spend eight hours or more in a small padded cubicle. The curious thing about it is they choose to do that. They willingly sacrifice a quality of life because they believe it is the only way to support their families. That may have been true 10 years ago but it isn’t any longer. Continue reading →

by Lesli Peterson, Business Analyst, VCG
with Phil McCutchen, Marketing Manager, VCG

With the age of the Internet upon us, recruiting methods have expanded dramatically. Staffing companies now regularly use the Web to locate qualified candidates for their open positions.

The most common methods include searching Job Boards and Corporate Websites. Job Boards, whether belonging to the staffing company or otherwise, allow recruiters to post specific positions, asking applicants to submit their resumes or follow a link to a registration page on their website. Corporate Websites are now allowing recruiters to post jobs for general or specific positions and permitting candidates to register with the Staffing Company and/or apply for a specific position. Continue reading →

Throughout the past decade, workplace diversity issues have allowed organizations to adjust their policies in response to the need for workplace equality in all aspects. As a result of the dynamic political, social and economic changes, some companies have willingly become more inclusive, integrating women, people of color, gays/lesbians, and individuals with disabilities into their workforce at all levels of their organizations. However, others have failed to make this paradigm shift.The Federal government has failed to see the benefits of a diverse workforce, which is evident by the lack of diversity of the people it serves. Research by the Center for Creative Leadership (2002), show women in business have been required to adapt to a well established hierarchal system built around the strengths of its majority of male players. As women have entered the workplace, they initially try to create only a modest variant in a male dominated workplace. Gender diversity could be very beneficial to the Federal government, causing greater creativity in group decision-making and improved task performance. Continue reading →

Are you being paid what you are worth? Has anybody ever asked you that? Have you ever asked yourself?

The answer to this question really hinges on another question: “Do you work for a boss or do you work for yourself?”

If you work for a boss the answer must be a resounding NO! You see, you cannot possibly be paid what you are worth because your boss is being paid what you are worth. He or she then pays you at a discounted rate. Continue reading →

According to statistics one out of every five pregnant women will not return to work. Quitting abruptly after childbirth could wreak havoc on your finances, your career and even your relationship with your partner.

How can you determine if you are vulnerable to quitting your job abruptly after having your baby? Below are some elements that can contribute to leaving your job: Continue reading →

10. Understand all of the opportunities available to you. Don’t just assume that you can only work at the standard place of employment for your area of study. The key to finding a great career is to think outside of the box. Don’t get caught being narrow-minded when considering where to apply your skills and energy. Every firm needs accountants, project managers, sales people, etc.

9. Get to know a successful person. Your dad’s friend doesn’t count if he doesn’t know you. You must be able to find someone that has had decent success in any field and become their new friend. The tendency for those that are mentored to go much farther in their career is significant. You can take the world on all by yourself or you can benefit from the experience and wisdom of others. Mentors can make all the difference at every stage of your career.
Continue reading →

Don’t just sit there and bob your head, waiting to answer the next question – be prepared to ask your own questions and make the interviewer know that you care!

Ask Them About the Company

If you have researched the company, you should know something about their core business. Use the information that you have found to ask good questions about the company. Show your understanding of the company and your interest in learning more. Continue reading →

Cover letters are an essential ingredient to your complete résumé package. This is the best opportunity for you to demonstrate your personal character, knowledge of the company and your business writing skills.

The following is a relatively generic format for creating your cover letter. Note that most cover letters are designed to target a specific company or at least a specific industry. Continue reading →

Do these things

Include your full name – don’t use nicknames or abbreviations

Use a telephone number that you can always answer – use a cell phone if possible or make sure there is an answering machine at the listed phone number

Use bullet points to highlight information – it is much easier for an employer to absorb relevant information while scanning your résumé Continue reading →