Here you'll find job interview tips, career advancement advice, work-related suggestions, home business trends, and much more.
My goal is to make this blog entertaining, informative, and above all, helpful!
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Bonnie
Asking Your Boss For a Raise
Asking Your Boss For a Raise? Follow these 9 Tips!
Cues and Clues: Sleuthing a Job Ad and Spotting Interviewer Problems
Judi Perkins (expert job coach) is inviting you (as a Best-Interview-Strategies.com reader) to attend an exclusive online webinar scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, 2009, 8 PM - 9:15 PM (ET).
The topic is "Cues and Clues: Sleuthing a Job Ad and Spotting Interviewer Problems."
This webinar will teach you how to read between the lines of the job board ad to know what it's really saying--both about the organization and the person they're looking for. It will also reveal how to spot "red flag" problems in an interview, and how to deal with those.
It's a great topic about an important but overlooked aspect of successful job hunting. I don't know of anyone who covers it better than Judi. Don't miss this webinar!
Here's where to go to find out more and to sign up:
After you sign up, you'll be sent an email confirmation with the details on how to attend the online webinar. It's all done via your computer, so there won't be any long-distance charges to worry about. You'll be given a link, and you just click on that before the webinar starts--it's easy!
If you're unable to attend live, sign-up anyway and you'll be provided with a downloadable recording of the webinar after the event.
Don't delay in signing up... the webinar happens Wednesday night!
Judi's bio: Judi was a very successful recruiter for 22 years (15 contingency, 4 agency, 3 retained) and has now been a career coach for 3. As a recruiter, she worked with hundreds of hiring authorities, discussing everything from hiring strategies to offer negotiation. Now she teaches job seekers both the skill and psychological aspects of job hunting. She has been interviewed as an expert for books at each author's request; has her own, How to Find Your Perfect Job, and has been quoted in numerous articles, most recently the New York Times. She's also done radio interviews and speaking gigs. Her clients find jobs quickly, ending their months of frustration!
Check out the excellent article at Boston.com: "Even in this job market, you can still stand out."
Excerpt: "To provide a bit of guidance, I spoke with CEOs, human resources managers, and recruiters, asking what advice they'd give people who are looking for a new job, or those who want to be well-positioned in the event they're cut loose."
Then the author provides 10 strategies based on that research.
Go grab my FREE report, "The Best Career Strategies of 2009: How to Get Hired and Get Ahead, Even When the Economy is Getting Worse," at my new website (appropriately titled www.BestCareerStrategies.com)...
Career Fitness Coach Malcolm Munro is offering a free three-hour Job Hunter's Boot Camp teleseminar to be held over two evenings: Feb. 10 and 12. Limited seats are available, so check it out and sign up soon...
I wish I'd had GL Hoffman's book, "Dig Your Job," when I left the comfort of school for my first job and struggled to understand the harsh realities of the working world.
His wise advice and practical how-to tips would've saved me from making career blunders in my youth many years ago--and it will definitely do the same for today's young workers just beginning their careers.
But it goes beyond being a helpful guide for new employees. As a Baby Boomer who has been working for longer than I care to remember, I was very impressed with GL's insights and recommendations, and learned several strategies that I know will help me to continue advancing in my career.
I particularly enjoyed reading about "The Art of Getting Ahead," and as a Boomer, I got a big kick out of "How Gen Y Can Handle the Baby Boomers at Work." Hilarious (and so true)! Wrapping up his book with a chapter sharing career advice (good and bad) from many dads was the icing on the cake.
Anyone interested in having a successful career should dig into "Dig Your Job!"
There's a great article at Fortune's website: "Hiring managers from five companies talk about how to land a job."
Here are just a few golden nuggets you should pay attention to:
"We don't want specialists - we want GPs."
"About half of our new hires are referrals."
"The interview is as much the candidate interviewing us as vice versa."
"It's especially important to be willing to listen to other people."
"We want brains but also a heart."
"We delve into your past work life and look for examples of how you handled different situations."
"Our interview isn't just a process of going through the points of your resume. It's focused on asking questions that are for figuring out someone's values and how they operate."
Looking for a new job? Willing to relocate? You might want to check out the companies that made Fortune's list of "100 Best Companies to Work for in 2009."
Do you like to read business books? Do you like contributing to worthy causes? Do you like surprises?
If you answered YES to any of those questions, you'll love what 800-CEO-Read is doing. I took advantage of this offer last year and got three great books, so I just signed up for it again.
Here's the deal (quoted from an email they sent out):
"On top of the steady flow of books that arrive in our office for review everyday, there was a deluge that poured in as candidates for our Business Book Awards. Books on storytelling, finance, innovation, marketing, management... name a subject, and there's probably a book here in our office on it. Imagine those Chuck E. Cheese ball pits, but replace the hollow plastic balls with business books, and that is our office. At this point, we're climbing over books just to get to our desks, and we're looking for good homes for them.
"So, we're giving them to anyone willing to make a small donation, and donating the money generated to Room to Read, an organization that partners with local communities throughout the developing world to establish schools, libraries, and other educational infrastructure.
"THE DEAL: For $30.00, we are putting together a MYSTERY BOX of three business books. In this box you are guaranteed one title that either won, or made the shortlist for, the best book of 2008 in its category, along with 2 other titles from last year that were submitted for the awards. As a bonus, we will include a copy of this year's IN THE BOOKS, our annual review of business books. 100% of the purchase will go directly to Room to Read, and we'll cover the shipping on all orders. Get on board and help us make a difference!
"To take part in this special offer, visit The 800-CEO-READ Mystery Box page: http://800ceoread.com/products/?ISBN=roomtoread08."
$30 for three top-quality business books (includes shipping), with all proceeds going to a worthy cause... don't let this one pass you by.
Skeptical that networking (especially online) can really help you land a job? 80% of jobs are found through referrals. Read this first-hand account of how it typically works, and you'll make online networking a new priority...
Thinking about a career change? Looking for a field with a future?
Some careers do better in a poor economy than others.
US News & World Report has compiled a list you should take a look at.
As they put it "U.S. News has plowed through hundreds of careers, looking for the jobs with the best outlook in this recessionary economy (and beyond), the highest rates of job satisfaction, the least difficult training necessary, the most prestige, and the highest pay. These careers have staying power: They're smart moves now, and they'll be smart moves for years to come."
There's an article called "Lie To Family About Layoff Over Holiday?
Expert Suggests 'White Lie' About Job Loss Not Out Of Question" published on TheBostonChannel.com.
It's from The Associated Press, so chances are good that it'll be printed in newspapers all across the country (perhaps under a different headline).
Otherwise, I wouldn't draw it to your attention. I'm afraid you might read the article, see the advice from an "expert," think it therefore must be good advice, and follow the advice.
Please don't follow advice just because it comes from an "expert."
The advice in the article is just the author's opinion. He's free to share his opinion. And I'm free to disagree with it.
According to him, if you mention to your family that you've been laid off, "You'll be forever stereotyped as that person who can't seem to hold onto or find a job."
Hmmm. Makes me wonder what kind of family he grew up with.
So his advice is to is "to make something up." In other words, to lie to your family about losing your job.
I think a better approach is to be honest; tell them you were laid off and are looking for another job.
Not just because honesty is the best policy, but because networking is the best way to find a new job. Who knows... your uncle may know a guy who's looking to hire someone with your exact skills!
Your family (and their friends) can't help you if they don't know you need help.
There's nothing wrong with needing help. Really. But if that concept bothers you, don't ask for help. Don't go to the big family holiday dinner and announce, "I'm out of work and need your help finding a job!"
But if you are asked a likely question such as, "How's work going?" or "Is your company strugging in this economy?" -- just tell the truth.
Simple. No asking for help required.
But telling the truth may lead to someone helping you, whether you ask for it or not.
Nothing wrong with that, right?
That seems better to me than lying to your family. 'Course, that's just my opinion. You're free to disagree with it.
If you want to read the article I'm disagreeing with...
Want to read interesting insights on how the workplace has changed in the past decade, and get expert advice on the real way to get a job -- and what to do if you get laid off right now?
Scoot on over to Dan Schawbel's Personal Branding Blog and read his interview with Anne Fisher senior writer at Fortune Magazine and the face behind the “Ask Annie” column at Fortune.com.
Marshall Goldsmith, author of "What Got You Here Won't Get You There," has written a great post over at the Harvard Business Publishing website.
The subtitle is "Four Tips for Twentysomethings," but the excellent advice can apply to people of all ages.
Here's an eye-opening example: "Bring your 'A Game' to work; focus on what you're giving, not what you're getting. There are others who have lost their jobs, and they want yours."
Read the entire article for more tips on how to survive in this horrible economy...
All You Ever Wanted to Know About Emergency Funds (But Were Afraid to Ask)
Do you have an emergency fund? You should. Especially in this horrible economy. Especially if you're in danger of losing your job.
GetRichSlowly.org has posted a great article about why you need an emergency fund and how to create one. The comments posted by readers are just as valuable as the article, so be sure to read those, too!
Electronics that are no longer wanted become e-waste. They contain hazardous materials that can harm the environment, so don't throw them in the trash. Instead, send them to a company that will give you cash, gift cards, or other incentives!
If you're interested in making some money while helping the environment, check out the opportunities mentioned in the article at the following link...
Are you ready for an Obama nation? Do you want to actually work for the President-elect?
According to an article on the MSNBC website titled "How to get a job in the Obama administration," there are thousands of positions available (paid and volunteer).
Of course, as the article points out, "It’s a highly competitive process... For every position, there are countless numbers of people wanting the job. The more allies you can bring to table, the better chance you have."
The article provides valuable tips and links that may give you a leg up on the competition. Check it out by clicking on the following link...
The Seven Stupid Mistakes People Make on a Telephone Interview
If you talk on the phone a lot (and who doesn't?), you might think a telephone interview will be a piece of cake, right? Well, think again.
Author Anita Bruzzese has written a blog post with seven strategies for telephone interviews. My favorite is #5; it's one I haven't heard before: "Listen to how stupid you sound." :-)
Read her entire article (and check out her great blog) by clicking on the link...
I just read a thought-provoking article by Naomi Dunford at the IttyBiz blog. Here's an excerpt:
"Our paycheck can’t even send little Aidan to hockey camp. We’ve got nothing left to invest in anything, let alone a diversified portfolio.
"But as the pundits so wisely explain — right after explaining that the ticket to riches is cutting back on your latte consumption — that diversification is the key to wealth, security and freedom.
"As in, you’re not supposed to put all your eggs in one basket.
"Would you put your family’s life savings in one stock?
"Would you put little Emma’s college fund into something you don’t understand, has no guarantees, and over which you have zero control?
"No? Then WHY IN HELL are you doing it with your family’s income?"
If you're less than thrilled about your job and paycheck, you'll be interested in this article. Click the link below to read it...
According to an article titled "Survey shows link between birth order and career," a recent survey by CareerBuilder.com shows how birth order can affect not only a person's career, but also their performance within that career.
Basically, it's saying your age in relation to your siblings may play a role in developing your personality... which in turn influences your career choices.
While that sounds logical to me, the article's conclusions don't match up with MY career choices or those of my siblings. But maybe we're not a typical family.
How about yours? Read the entire article by clicking on the following link...
John T. Unger starts out an amazing blog post with these chilling words:
"The best thing that ever happened to me was the night an angry, messed up cab driver pulled me into the back room of a 24 hour diner and held a huge handgun to my head for over ten minutes, all the while describing in intricately fetishistic detail exactly what would happen when he pulled the trigger."
The rest of his article is equally compelling, and he offers some fantastic wisdom and advice about overcoming failures and challenges.
His bottom line is "The only way you can tell the difference between disaster and opportunity is to decide to make an opportunity out of every event."
Read how he did that (more than once) and achieved success, by clicking on the link:
According to an article at CNNMoney.com, "Employers made deeper cuts in their payrolls in September, as the economy experienced the biggest drop in jobs in more than five years."
Most industries are cutting back, but not all. "The only two major sectors to post gains were government and education and health services."
If you're looking for new opportunities, perhaps you should consider those sectors... and take action quickly.
The article predicts the job situation will only get worse. "The job losses are accelerating and the credit crunch is adding fuel to the fire. This recession could be deeper and longer than expected."
If you've been job hunting for a while, you can probably identify with the unhappy job seeker who wrote to the HR Wench asking for advice. (HR Wench is an excellent blog, by the way.)
The blog post is kind of long, but it may help to know you're not alone... and the tips provided by the Wench and her readers (be sure to read the comments) are excellent.
Check out the post by clicking on the following link...
Are you one of the gazillion job searchers who is wondering, "Why can't I get hired?" If so, you might want to check out an interesting article by James Maguire titled "How to Not Get an IT Job: 10 Tips." It might help you find out what you're doing wrong. And don't worry, you don't have to be in the IT field to benefit from the article's tips.
Just click on the link below to read the article...
Branding, Blogging and Googling Your Way to Career Success
Looking for a job? Your potential employers are looking at you, too. What you need to know about branding, blogging, and Google, and how they can make or break your job search!
