I don’t know if this is reality or clever fiction, but check out this post from The Chive on how “Jenny” decided to quit her job with the help of a white board, photos, and email — click here: Girl Quits Job.

I suspect this entertaining story is fiction, designed to do what it’s doing: go viral on the web and bring “Jenny” lots of attention. She may be a model or wannabe actress. This may actually be her version of a resume rather than a resignation.

If you’re tempted to quit your job in a similar fashion, consider these points before you do anything rash:

1. Once something is released on the Internet, it’s very difficult to take back. It may be out there “haunting” you forever. Employers often do online searches of job candidates. Not everyone will think quitting in this way is cool. Most would never hire anyone who makes a public mockery of her boss (even if he deserved it) — and by extention, the company she worked for.

2. I can easily imagine Jenny (or anyone doing something similar) getting sued for defamation of character or whatever by her ex-boss and his attorney.

3. General rule not specific to Jenny’s example: don’t quit your job until you have a firm (written) offer of employment somewhere else. There are exceptions, of course. But whenever possible, try to land your next job before leaving your current one.

But all that seriousness aside, I must admit I enjoyed viewing Jenny’s probably-fake resignation.

Photo by: German G

What would you do if a recruiter called, or an old colleague asked if you’d like to come work for him at a different company–and he offered you more money? Would you be tempted to use that job offer as a bargaining chip for a raise or promotion?

It’s a risky move, but one worth looking into… carefully.

The first thing you need to do is decide how appealing the new job offer is. How much better is it than what you have now? Would you seriously consider leaving your current company and starting over with a new employer? What would need to change in order for you to decline the new offer and stay where you are? A promotion or raise? More responsibility?

Before you talk to your boss, decide what you want, and what you’re willing to do if you don’t get it.

If you really don’t want to leave, don’t pretend you do just to negotiate a raise. Your boss may call your bluff! Just explain that you received an unsolicited offer that you are not seriously considering, but it’s prompted you to want to discuss your future.

If you are on the fence about whether to take the new job or not, discuss the possibility with your boss in a non-committal way. You might say, “I have been contacted about a new opportunity, and I’d like your advice on figuring out what’s best for my future.”

Discuss the terms of the other job, and what you’re most interested in — the salary, other benefits, more responsibility, etc. Give your boss the opportunity to make a counteroffer, but do not threaten to leave if this doesn’t happen. No one responds well to blackmail.

[SIDE NOTE: Where I work an engineer received a job offer with another company. He threatened to leave if he did not get a promotion. Because he was heavily involved in several major projects, it would've caused significant problems if he left on short notice. He held all the cards, and he knew it. He got his promotion. Two years later, an even bigger promotion opportunity opened up in his department for which he was qualified. Do you think his boss gave him even the slightest consideration? No. By demanding the earlier smaller promotion, this guy doomed his chances of further career advancement at this agency. Bosses don't appreciate being threatened, and they don't forget.]

Keep this in mind–even if your bargaining efforts are successful and you get what you want and decide to stay, your boss may now have a lesser opinion of you. Your loyalty may be in doubt, and even if the negotiation process was very non-threatening, your boss may resent having to go through the process at all.

Consider the consequences for either outcome before you use a job offer as a bargaining chip!

Photo by: Alex France

If you wait until then to display your “best interview behavior,” you may lose the job before you answer the first question!

This is a rather extreme example, but one of the nation’s leading airlines often flies job candidates to their headquarters for job interviews. The airline provides the round-trip airfares. What the lucky candidates don’t realize is that their tickets are tagged to identify them as job applicants on their way to an interview with the airline.

Those candidates are being evaluated from the moment they enter the airport. If candidate Mary Smith is inconsiderate to fellow passengers or rude to a flight attendant, for example, this information is reported to the hiring manager before Mary arrives for her interview. She’ll go through the interview, may do a great job answering the questions, and will be totally mystified about why she is NOT selected for the position.

Here are more typical situations where your interactions with people prior to your interview may affect the hiring decision:

- When you talk to someone from HR on the telephone to schedule your interview;
- When you exchange small talk while riding in the elevator with someone;
- When you talk to the receptionist while waiting for your interview to begin;
- When someone walks by while you’re waiting and starts a brief conversation with you.

Those are just a few examples.

Imagine Joe the candidate arriving at an office building for an interview which is being held on the 10th floor. Joe gets into the elevator and says “Good morning” to a woman who gets in at the same time. The woman responds with “Good morning.” She sees that he’s pressed the button for the 10th floor and asks, “Are you here to see Mr. Jones?” Joe says “Yes. I’m interviewing with him for an engineering position.” Because Joe is nervous, he says a bit too much. “I’m really dreading this. I hear Jones is a grouchy old bastard.”

The elevator arrives at the 10th floor and they both step out. Mr. Jones is there to greet Joe, and says, “Good morning. I see you’ve already met my daughter.”

I’m not trying to make you paranoid, but if you suspect that every person associated with the company is a spy for the hiring manager, do you think you’ll be more aware of your behavior while in their presence? You bet!

Don’t wait until you meet the interviewer to turn on the charm. Your interview may begin — and be over — long before you realize it!

If you’ve rehearsed what you’re going to say and know the perfect answer to every potential question, you’re half way there. There’s just one important thing you’ve forgotten:

Yourself.

How do you sell yourself and show your potential employer how valuable you can be to their company? You want to make them hire you today and not even think about other applicants. You know you’re the right person for the job, so how do you make them see that? Here are seven easy steps you can take to really make yourself shine during the interview process.

1. First, find out everything you can about the company you’d be working for. Who are its customers? What is its mission statement? How does the job you’d be performing relate to the company’s goals? Finding out this type of information gives you great insights on what kinds of questions to ask your interviewer and shows them that you’ve done your research and already have some background in the company’s business and objectives.

2. Read over the job description carefully. Analyze your own strengths and see how you can tie the two together. If you have previous experience, make note of those times where you helped achieve a specific result. Employers give more serious consideration to applicants who have a background and a track record in their industry than those who do not.

3. First impressions count. It should go without saying that you should arrive 10 minutes prior to the interview, dress appropriately (if not above) the position you’re applying for, greet your interviewer with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact throughout the discussion process. Be enthusiastic, personable and outgoing. Show a sincere interest in the people you meet and the work you’d be doing. Interviewers can tell if you’re desperate!

4. Show that you can solve problems and work well under pressure, since nearly every job will require both skills. If you can identify a particular problem in your industry or that you may face when doing this job, give the interviewer some ideas of how you would solve it. Be calm, relaxed and confident. Some nervousness is expected, but your overall mannerisms (such as fidgeting, nail-biting, slumping in your chair) will be an instant giveaway on how well you really work under stress. Likewise, if you project confidence and security in how you carry yourself, the interviewer will definitely notice.

5. If your mind goes blank when asked if you have any questions (and you should always have a couple of questions ready), consider asking why this position is open. What’s the company’s track record and turnover rate? Are they performing well and keeping employees on board? Remember, you’re not just selling yourself on how you’d be a great fit for this company, but finding out how this company could also be a great fit for you.

6. If an interviewer asks a question that makes you feel uncomfortable, smile politely and ask, “Why would you like to know?” Remember, your employer is prohibited from asking you personal questions, including references to your race, gender, sexual preference, marital status and child care situations. Your interview should be focused on how well you can perform the job, not your home and family life.

7. After the interview, be sure to follow up with a thank-you note. Recount your strengths in the letter and highlight your qualifications. Touch on specific discussions or conversations you had with the interviewer to help them remember that polished, professional, enthusiastic candidate (you). Close the note by letting the interviewer know of your sincere interest in the position and your confidence in doing it well.

If you keep all of these suggestions in mind, you’ll not only have seriously impressed your potential employer, but you’ll come away from it feeling like a winner too!

For even more detailed, step-by-step help with acing your next interview, check out my Job Interview Success System.

Photo by: Foreversouls

I have never personally experienced age discrimination. But I know it happens every day, even though it’s illegal (in the U.S.). It’s hard to prove, so the fact that it’s against the law doesn’t discourage all companies from doing it.

If I had to find a new job today, at age 52, I’m sure it would be difficult for me to compete successfully against younger candidates… even though I’m an expert at job interviews (and appear young for my age… at least in my mind).

Strategies for trying to avoid age discrimination during the job search include:

Photo by: Thomas Hawk

When you’re looking to get hired or get promoted, what do you think is your most important asset?

Your experience? Knowledge? Skill? Talent?

While all of those are advantages that will help you achieve your goals, there’s one thing that’s more important than all of them combined.

Your attitude!

I attended a board meeting recently. It should’ve been spelled “bored.” Just about everyone’s eyes were glazed over as one dull presentation after another was foisted upon the meeting attendees.

Then something changed.

Someone who had never spoken at a board meeting before got up, went to the lectern, fired up her PowerPoint presentation, and totally blew everyone away!

People perked up in their seats and listened attentively to her every word. When she was done, people actually clapped! (If you’ve ever attended a public agency board meeting before, you’ll know how remarkable that is!)

The board president said, “I’ve seen hundreds of presentations. This is the first time I’ve ever seen one that elicited applause!”

Was this presenter more experienced, more knowledgeable, more skilled or more talented than all the others?

Absolutely not. As a fairly new employee, she was actually inferior in all of those areas.

What made the difference? Her attitude.

She was enthusiastic, positive, upbeat, energetic and truly excited about what she was talking about! It wasn’t the quality of her presentation that impressed people, it was how she made them feel. Her enthusiasm was contagious, so the audience greatly enjoyed listening to facts and figures that, presented by someone without her energetic attitude, would’ve bored them to tears.

Everyone in that room will remember and think very highly of her–not the more experienced, knowledgeable, skilled or talented presenters–because of her attitude.

You know why companies conduct time-consuming, labor-intensive job interviews instead of simply hiring people based on the qualifications presented in their resumes? One of the biggest reasons is to find someone they’ll enjoy working with. This can only be conveyed in person, by your attitude.

Think of your own coworkers. Who do you enjoy working with? The smart guy who has all the answers but acts superior? The woman who has the most experience but whines or complains whenever she’s asked to do something in a new way?

Or the person who always smiles, listens to you, stays positive, friendly and supportive no matter what?

‘Nuff said.

By the way… how’s your attitude?

Image by: See-Ming Lee

I get asked these questions a lot: “Should I send separate thank-you notes to everyone who interviewed me? Can I just send one thank-you note to the hiring manager and ask him/her to thank others involved in the process?”

The answers are yes and no, respectively.

Send a separate thank-you note to everyone who interviewed you, whether it was an informal pre-interview phone call, an interview lunch meeting, or the final formal interview after a lengthy process.

Don’t be stingy with your thank yous!

Sending thanks is an easy thing to do, it will only take a few minutes–and it will make the recipients feel good about you! Why wouldn’t you jump at the chance to do that?

You can make your thank-you notes relatively short. They can be sent via snail-mail or email.

(There are differing opinions on which is best. I prefer the now “special” touch of a real letter over the routine method of email; others think email is best because it’s faster. Just remember that what you say is more important than how you send it.)

Make each thank-you note slightly different by mentioning something in particular that you and the recipient discussed. This is a good reason to do your thank-you notes right away, while the interview is fresh in your mind. You might even want to take notes for this purpose.

Here’s a great tip that will really impress the hiring manager: add a P.S. that mentions how helpful someone was, by name. I’m not talking about people directly involved in the interviews; they should get their own thank-you notes. But if there was a receptionist, an HR assistant, or someone else who was helpful during your interview process, say so. Those people are rarely recognized, but may have influence with the hiring manager. The boss will think of you as someone who appreciates his team, notices things most other people overlook, and goes the extra mile.

Why make this a P.S.? Studies show that most people read the P.S. before (or even instead of) reading the main body of a letter. This P.S. will get attention and impress the reader, which will get your entire letter read and your thoughtfulness remembered!

P.S.  Thank you for reading this. 

Photo by: Dey

If you’re feeling dissatisfied at work and think a bigger paycheck is your key to happiness, you better think again.

According to studies done by the Templeton Foundation in England, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the U.S., and the University of Illinois, once your basic needs are met, having more money does little to make you more satisfied with your life.

What does make most people happiest? Spending time with family and friends, and contributing to the lives of others.

The two biggest things that lower people’s happiness levels? Losing a spouse, and losing a job.

If you’re feeling low, here are five steps you can take to lift your mood:

1. Be thankful for the things that bring you joy. Make a list, and add to it continuously. Include insignificant things (a delicious cup of coffee in the morning) and important things (a parent’s recovery from an illness).

2. Be kind. I’ve seen this on a bumper sticker: “Practice Random Acts of Kindness.” Include both random and planned acts of kindness. Whether it’s helping a stranger to pick up a bag of dropped groceries, or treating a friend to lunch, it’ll make you feel good to be kind to others.

3. Thank someone. Whether their deed was big or small, show gratitude when someone has helped you. It’ll make you feel good to say–and make them feel good to hear–the two magic words: “Thank you!” (Of course, it goes without saying that you should thank people after a job interview or recommendation, right?)

4. Get rid of the grudge. It’s impossible to go through life and never get your feelings hurt. But becoming angry, holding a grudge or dwelling on feelings of resentment only make things worse. Think about it–do you enjoy feeling angry or upset? Even if the person who wronged you never apologizes, forgive him/her. Get over it and move on.

5. Spend more time with family and friends. As previously mentioned, this is what makes most of us happiest. You’ve probably heard that a man on his deathbed will not be thinking, “I wish I’d spent more time at work.” Get your priorities straight and you’ll be much happier. So will your family and friends!

Now go make yourself happy!

Photo by: adpowers

Interning is a wonderful way to gain work experience and lay the foundation for your future career. But to get the most out of it, you have to do more than just land the job and show up for work.

Here are five tips that will help you get the full benefits of interning:

1. Pay Attention. This is more than a job, it’s a valuable learning experience. And unlike school, this is the real world — where you’ll be spending the rest of your life after graduation! Your coworkers know you are new to this and will want to help you, but they can’t spend all day explaining things to you. So when they answer your questions or show you how to do something, pay attention. Also pay attention to what’s going on around you. How do your coworkers talk to each other? How do they treat the boss? What are their goals and concerns? Learn the culture and customs of the work world.

2. Find a Mentor. Whether it’s your supervisor or someone else you work with, find a person who is willing to answer your questions and help you learn. Ask about the job, the company, the career field. Find out what they did to advance in their career, and what advice they have for you. Establish a strong relationship. This person may be able to help you with your career long after you leave this intern job. But be fair and make this a two-way partnership that benefits you both. Don’t just take, give. Offer to help your mentor with special projects or other activities that may not be specifically part of your duties. Make yourself as valuable to her as she is to you.

3. Accept Reality. You may get stuck with some work that you feel is beneath you, boring, or just plain pointless. You will probably not be included in the important decisions going on around you. But you are, after all, just an intern. The trick is to make the best of it by doing an outstanding job with every task you’re assigned. Then ask for more. Take on anything you can and show that you can be counted upon to get it done quickly and accurately. Even if it’s something dull like filing paperwork, your efforts will be recognized, appreciated and remembered when you do it well and without complaint.

4. Be Professional. Remember, you are in a work setting now and need to act professionally. Don’t show up late, chat on your cell phone, text your friends, play games on the computer, take extra-long breaks or bring your personal life to work with you.

5. Evaluate Your Career Goals. One of the best things you can learn from your internship is whether you’re pursuing the career path that’s right for you. Are you enjoying the work? Is it what you expected? Can you picture yourself doing the same kind of work and being happy with it once you graduate? If not, you should re-evaluate your career goals and discuss your options with your career counseler when you return to school.

“Hi Bonnie! Congratulations, you have been selected from our competitive pool of nominees as one of eCollegeFinder’s Top 50 Career Advocates! Your dedication to fostering career building and professional advancement deserves to be recognized, and this award is intended to do just that.”

What’s great is that, as they point out:

“This award is not only intended to commend the Career Advocates’ efforts, but to provide students and job seekers at all levels a valuable resource to aid in the next step of their professional journey.”

They’ve created a special page for those career resources with lots of links and advice. Go check it out.

Image by: Mira d'Oubliette

My free newsletter and this blog are read by thousands of people.

Yet only a handful of readers send me feedback or leave comments.

I do understand; most of us are very busy, or we just don’t feel compelled to respond.

But because I’m really horrible at reading minds and crystal balls, I’m going to ask you to do something for me.

Don’t worry — I promise it won’t hurt, it won’t be difficult, and it won’t cost you anything (except a few minutes of your time).

What I am going to ask you to do is to interact with this particular blog entry.

To do that, all you need to do is scroll to the bottom of the page and leave a comment.

What should you do that?

Well, one reason is so I can make sure I’m giving you value through this blog and my newsletter. Even though these resources are free, when you read them, you’re spending time on that when you could be doing something else. I really do appreciate that, and I want to make sure you’re getting your time’s worth.

Another reason is that I want to get to know you a little better.

But if you want to leave your comments anonymously, that’s okay.

I just hope you DO leave comments. If only a small percentage of you participate, I may be missing out on valuable feedback — which means I may not be able to give you what you want and need.

So here goes…

In your comments, I would be thrilled if you would answer any or all of the following questions:

1.  Who are you and where are you from?

2.  If you have a job, what do you do? Are you happy with how your career is going right now?

3.  If you do not have a job, are you currently looking for one? How long have you been out of work?  What’s giving you the most trouble with your job hunt?

4.  What’s holding you back from achieving overall career success?

5.  What drives you crazy (if anything) about websites/blogs or people who give out (or sell) career advice?

6.  How long have you been reading my newsletter or blog, and WHY do you read them?

7.  What kinds of articles are most helpful to you?

NOTE: These questions are just conversation starters. If you would rather talk about something else, that’s fine. I’m looking for the real you, not fill-in-the-blank responses.

And know that I don’t have any kind of special bonus for you if you answer these questions. I’m inquiring because I really want to know who you are.

I appreciate you taking the time to participate. Not only will your responses help me take the dialogue to the next level, but I think they will help others see that they are not alone in their quest to achieve their career goals.

Thank you very much!

P.S. – I read all your comments and it is really important to me that I hear from you.  Would you please respond?

• “I have lurnt Word Perfect 6.0 computor and spreadsheet pogroms.”

• “Am a perfectionist and rarely if if every forget details.”

• “Received a plague for Salesperson of the Year.”

• “Wholly responsible for two failed financial institutions.”

• Reason for leaving last job: “Maturity leave.”

• “Failed bar exam with relatively high grades.”

• “It’s best for employers that I not work with people.”

• “Let’s meet, so you can ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ over my experience.”

• “I was working for my mom until she decided to move.”

• Marital status: “Single. Unmarried. Unengaged. Uninvolved. No commitments.”

• “I have an excellent track record, although I am not a horse.”

• Personal interests: “Donating blood. Fourteen gallons so far.”

• “Instrumental in ruining entire operation for a Midwest chainstore.”

• “Note: Please don’t misconstrue my 14 jobs as ‘job-hopping’. I have never quit a job.”

• Marital status: “Often.” Children: “Various.”

• “The company made me a scapegoat, just like my three previous employers.”

• “Finished eighth in class of ten.”

• References: “None. I’ve left a path of destruction behind me.”

Photo by: sparktography

Although tips on how to properly tie a tie will probably be of primary interest to my male readers, female readers should check this out, too. You may have a significant other who could use this information, or use your help when he’s getting all snazzied up.

My husband only wears ties to funerals, weddings and job interviews, so he struggles with getting the knot “just right” every time.  (And no, that’s not him in the photo.)

So I was happy to find this website that shows exactly how to tie a tie. It provides detailed instructions and videos on how to tie Windsor, Half-Windsor, Four-in-Hand and Pratt tie knots. (I personally have no clue what those are, but guys who wear ties should know.)

Here’s the link: How to tie a tie.

Photo by: Clover_1

In one of my past lives I held a Top Secret security clearance as a Civil Service employee working for the Air Force. So I am familiar with background checks. (Which is why watching “24″ and seeing so many infiltrators/spies and/or people with family/financial/emotional problems working for CTU each season drives me crazy.)

But many job seekers are not all that familiar with the process, so here’s a little background on background checks…

More companies are doing background checks on potential employees these days than ever before. Why? Here are just a few of the reasons:

1. Studies show that 30-40% of all job applicants put false information on their resumes or applications, and “exaggerate” their qualifications during interviews. Can you blame employers for wanting to verify claims made by desperate job seekers?

2. Lawsuits for “negligent hiring” are on the rise. If an employee’s actions hurt someone, the employer may be liable. So when considering an applicant, it’s in the company’s best financial self-interest to find out if that person has done anything in the past which might indicate future problems.

3. Child abuse and abductions have resulted in new laws in almost every state that require criminal background checks for anyone who works with children.

4. The 9/11 attacks have resulted in heightened security and identity-verification strategies by many employers.

5. In addition, many state and federal government jobs require a background check, and depending on the kind of job, may require an extensive investigation for a security clearance.

So there are several reasons why employers perform background checks.

Under federal law, the employer must obtain the applicant’s written authorization before the background check is conducted. (Read the fine print on the job application before you sign it — sometimes you’re agreeing to a background check without even knowing it.) You can always refuse to give permission for a background check… but then you’d be refusing the job, as well.

The types of background checks companies do usually depends on the job, but they typically include the following:

Employment Verification

Often a potential employer will contact an applicant’s past employers. Many states have laws which prohibit employers from intentionally interfering with former employees’ attempts to find jobs by giving out false or misleading references, but a former boss can say anything TRUTHFUL about your performance. However, most companies have a policy to only confirm dates of employment, final salary, and other limited information.

Education Verification

This is done to verify degrees and certifications listed on resumes or applications. Under federal law, specific records such as transcripts and discipline records are confidential and will not be released by schools without the authorization of the student. However, a school may release “directory information,” which can include name, address, dates of attendance and degrees earned.

Drug Screening

Many large corporations have a policy to drug-screen all potential employees prior to starting. In this situation, the job offer is contingent on you successfully passing the drug screen.

Credit Checks

This type of check (sometimes called a “consumer report”) is most often done by companies where employees have access to money, sensitive personal and financial information. Some employers also use your credit history to gauge your level of responsibility (they believe if you are not reliable in paying your bills, then you will not be a reliable employee).

In addition to your payment history, a credit report typically includes information about your former addresses and previous employers. Employers can use this as one way to verify the accuracy of information you provide on an application or resume.

Federal law prohibits employers from discriminating against applicants because they have filed for bankruptcy.

Criminal and Motor Vehicle Records

These types of background checks are not as common but some companies have a policy of checking criminal records. Although arrest information is a matter of public record, in most states employers cannot normally access the arrest record of a potential employee (there are some exceptions, such as for law enforcement positions). If the arrest resulted in a conviction, that information can be obtained. In general, civil suits, civil judgments, and records of arrest more than seven years old are not reported (the seven-year limit may not apply to criminal convictions, depending on your state).

Companies check motor vehicle records when positions involve the operation of company vehicles and equipment.

Employment Application Accuracy

Some companies verify the accuracy of the information you provided on the employment application, including what you listed as your most recent salary. When you complete the application make sure all information is accurate.

What Can You Do To Prepare?

Take the following steps to reduce the chances that you and/or the potential employer will be “surprised” by information found during the background check:

1. Order a copy of your credit report. If there is something you do not recognize or that you disagree with, dispute the information with the creditor and/or credit bureau before you have to explain it to the interviewer.

2. Check court records. If you have an arrest record or have been involved in court cases, go to the county where this took place and inspect the files. Make sure the information is correct and up to date.

3. Check DMV records. Request a copy of your driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles, especially if you are applying for a job that involves driving.

4. Do your own background check. If you want to see what an employer’s background check might uncover, hire a company that specializes in such reports to conduct one for you. That way, you can discover if the data bases of information vendors contain inaccurate information. Consult Google or the Yellow Pages under “Investigators.”

5. Ask if your former employer has a policy about the release of personnel and/or employment information. Most companies limit the amount of information they disclose.

Remember, potential employers can’t conduct a background check without your written authorization. You can “just say no.” Of course, doing that would give the impression that you have something to hide and almost certainly eliminate you from consideration.

Just be honest about your background. Many employers will hire good candidates that fit their needs even if their backgrounds are less than perfect — as long as they didn’t lie about it.

Photo by: Green4All

Today is the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day.

Are you interested in green jobs? You’re not alone. Many people want meaningful work that allows them to feel good about what they’re doing, and helping Mother Nature is a noble cause.

According to a recent national survey by CareerBuilder.com, 10% of employers have added “green jobs,” otherwise known as environmentally-focused positions, in the last 12 months, and nearly 10% plan to add more in 2010.

You don’t have to be a new to the job market to take advantage of the growing green movement.

According to “How Boomers Can Help the Nation Go Green” (a 2-part series at SustainLane.com): “Green jobs are a natural fit for many boomers seeking encore careers, work in the second half of life that benefits society. Many skills from other fields easily transfer to the green economy, such as construction and maintenance; finance and planning; marketing and information technology; and engineering and entrepreneurship.” and “The challenges to reverse or lessen the impact of decades of abuse to our planet require talent backed by years of experience.”

Here are the top green job categories and opportunities:

Energy efficiency

• Weatherization installers

• Weatherization crew leaders

• Energy auditors

Clean energy generation

• Solar contractors

• Solar installation trainers

Conservation and sustainability

• Advocates

• Consultants

• Outreach workers

Here are a few resources that provide listings of green jobs as well as helpful information on topics (such as resume preparation) that can make you a better candidate.:

www.GreenJobs.com:  Focuses on all aspects of employment in renewable energy worldwide. They provide services to employers and recruiters; services to candidates (free) which include the opportunity to apply for jobs, list their resume/CV, and more; and they provide a weekly newsletter highlighting Green Industry news and job listings.

GreenCareersGuide.com:  Lists green jobs and provides a lot of helpful content about green careers, green training, and green entrepreneurship.

Going Green Jobs: Specializes in connecting job seekers interested in environmentally friendly jobs to quality employers.

Here are some articles pertaining to green jobs you might find interesting:

• 25 Jobs That Let You Go Green
• Going Green at Work
• What Are Green-Collar Jobs?
• 25 Companies That Are Good for the World and Your Wallet

Photo by: anitacanita

If you left your last job under less-than-ideal circumstances, you probably dread the “Why did you leave?” question that almost always comes up at job interviews.

Here’s how to handle it.

1. First and most important, never lie. If you were fired, don’t say you quit. It’s very easy for companies to do background checks that will reveal this lie; it will probably come back to haunt you. Besides, you don’t want to start off your relationship with your next employer with a lie, do you? Admitting to being fired is not such a big deal these days… it’s happening far too often.

2. KISS. No, I’m not referring to the ancient rock band or kissing up to the interviewer. Keep It Short and Simple. Tell what happened — you were terminated, you quit, your job was eliminated — whatever. Do not go into detail unless asked.

3. Don’t say anything negative. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your departure, don’t say anything negative about your former boss, coworkers or company. Any negativity, frustration or anger you express will only reflect negatively on you. Stay positive!

4. Tell what you learned. If they want more details about why you left, tell them what happened and what you learned from the experience. This will give you the opportunity to say how you turned a negative into a positive, and how you will handle similar situations differently in the future. For example, if you were fired for violating a company policy, you could say something like, “I was terminated for violating a company policy that I feel wasn’t communicated to me clearly. I should have taken the responsibility to read all of the company policies and ask questions about those I didn’t fully understand. That will be the first thing I do in my next job.” Employers love to hear stories about how employees take responsibility for their actions and learn from their mistakes.

5. Practice your answer. You should do this with every anticipated interview question. Develop your answer and practice, practice, practice!

6. Offer proof of your abilities. Confidently tell them that you can provide references or letters of recommendation to verify that your job performance is normally above par, that you usually get along great with your supervisors, etc. Make sure they understand that what happened to cause you to leave your last job was the exception, not the rule.

You’ll only see that warning if you have the Web of Trust (WOT) plug-in loaded on your browser. I do have the plug-in on my Firefox browser, because I believe its intentions are good. WOT is designed to protect people from scammers and phishers. We all know there are far too many of those on the Internet.

Anyway, because I believe I am the opposite of a scammer and I take my online reputation very seriously, I tried to find out how on earth my site got such a horrible rating.

Apparently, someone in the WOT community found a site they didn’t like that has links to MANY other sites (mine among them). They posted that site and the dozens of linked-to sites in the WOT forum and asked people to rate them all as scammers.  I’m not sure if you can view the forum discussion in question unless you’re a registered WOT user (it’s free, by the way), but here’s that discussion.

It appears that the helpful nature of WOT is being undermined by raters who happily condemn dozens of websites in one fell swoop, based solely on the fact that those sites are included on a huge list posted by one person who doesn’t have a clue about how to differentiate legitimate sites from scammers.

Sorry if this sounds like I’m bitter. Maybe it’s because I’m bitter.  I tend to take things personally when I’m publicly accused of being a scammer or phisher.

Anyway, I won’t go on a rant here. I did try to reason with the few WOT users who unfairly labeled my site with the BIG RED warning, but I doubt they’ll reconsider.

So I am asking YOU — if you use WOT to evaluate sites, please go to my interview site and rate it. I’m not asking you to give it the best rating… just an honest one based on your own experiences and not some random inclusion on a list.

Don’t just do it for me (although that would be super cool)… do it for all the job seekers out there who could benefit from all the free and helpful information on that site, but might get scared away by that unfounded warning.

Thank you very much!

UPDATE:  Several people rated my site positively, and the nasty red warning has been replaced with a nice GREEN rating indicating the site is safe and trustworthy.  Yay!

Photo by: Argonne National Laboratory

Many job seekers tend to overlook job fairs these days, especially with so many career advisors telling them to use LinkedIn, Twitter, and other Social Media tools.

Plus job fairs are crowded, busy, competitive, and sometimes confusing events.

But where else can you visit dozens of potential employers in person — who are actively looking for people to hire — on the same day and in the same place?

And you know what? Despite their “old-fashioned” offline nature, job fairs can help you land a job — if you know what you’re doing.

 Here’s how to get the most out of these events:

1. Do advance research. You goal is to target the most promising employers at upcoming job fairs. To do that, you need to know who those employers are and what they offer. Usually, the promotional materials or advertisements for job fairs will list participating employers and the general types of jobs they have open. Get online and search for information about the companies you are interested in. Knowing more about the companies than the other job seekers who visit their booths will help you make a memorable impression. The more you know, the better.

2. Bring enough résumés. Bring at least 25 clean, crisp copies of your résumé (more if it’s a large event).

3. Be prepared to fill out applications. Most companies will not accept a résumé INSTEAD of an application. So even if you provide them with a nice résumé, you’ll probably be asked to fill out an application form, too. Be sure to bring a pen and a “cheat sheet” with the information you’ll need to complete job applications on the spot. This is better than taking the applications home and sending them back later, as many job seekers will do. You’ll beat them to the punch!

4. Dress for success. First impressions are important. Just because job fairs tend to be friendly, informal events, don’t be too casual. Dress and act professionally, be enthusiastic, and remember to smile.

5. Arrive early. Pick up a booth-location map and plan your route. By arriving early, you may be able to get in and out before it gets too crowded. Visit your targeted companies first, then “shop around” and do some networking.

6. Think “Quality” over “Quantity.” It’s much better to spend quality time talking with only a few, well-targeted employers who are looking for your specific skills, than to drop off your résumé at every booth you see.

7. Be prepared for interviews. Some companies may want to do short, on-the-spot interviews at the job fair. Be prepared to talk about your best selling points, the assets and skills you will bring to the company. Doing research, as suggested in Step 1, will help you to design your answers to meet the company’s specific needs. As the interview is wrapping up, remember to ask what the next steps are.

8. Keep track of where you submit your résumés. Collect business cards and make a list of the companies you apply for. Jot notes about conversations you have with representatives or topics discussed during interviews. This will help you when following up later.

9. Send thank-you letters. Send thank-you letters within 24 hours to each of the companies/representatives you spoke with. Even if there was no real interview, doing this will help you to stand out in their minds among the hundreds of job seekers who visited their booth during the job fair. Tell them how much you appreciated the time they took to talk with you and answer your questions. Mention the name or location of the fair and the positions you discussed, and reiterate your interest in working for their company.

10. Follow up. Depending on their answers to your “what are the next steps” question (see Step 7), follow up appropriately with the companies for which you applied.

Follow these steps and a hectic, crowded job fair may just lead to a great new job!

Photo by: coolmonfrere

Do you love your job? If so, congratulations! (You can skip the rest of this article!)

Many people actually dread going to work each day. Others are rather ambivalent… they can take it or leave it.

If you do not love your job, perhaps it’s time to give some thought to your chosen career. After all, you’ll spend a huge part of your life at work. Wouldn’t it be better if you actually enjoyed earning a living? 

So, what do you enjoy? What’s your idea of the perfect job? Have you given any serious thought to pursuing that — what it would be and how you would obtain it?

There are thousands of interesting and exciting professions in the world. How many of them have occurred to you?

I think a fun job would be the “Professional driver on closed course” that you read about (if you squint) in the fine print on TV car commercials. Zooming across the desert salt flats, doing donuts in a brand new sports car… yep, I think I could handle that.

I’d also love to write for a living. Hey, wait a minute… that’s what I’m doing! But it took me many years to discover my passion and begin earning a living with it. Like many people, I didn’t know what I wanted to do after school and took the first job that came along… then just stayed in that line of work because it was familiar, comfortable and secure. If I knew then what I know now… well, that’s why I’m writing this — to help you get to your “perfect” job sooner!

What’s your passion?

Do you like animals? Ever thought about running away to join the circus? Seriously, they are often looking for people to groom, feed, clean and exercise their animals. How about working in a zoo or animal hospital? Or what about starting up your own dog-sitting/walking business? Studies show that interacting with animals reduces stress and helps people relax. Wouldn’t it be nice to come home from work relaxed and unstressed?

Do you like movies? Ever thought about being in one? My husband’s niece is a movie extra. She’s appeared in several TV shows.  Although she’s never had a speaking part, she’s having a lot of fun and learning about the film industry while working around movie and TV sets as she finishes college.

Do you like sports? Ever thought about being a golf pro? Did you know there are more than 25 million amateur golfers in the United States? I’m sure many of them could use some professional help! Tennis players are probably in the same boat. A friend of mine is a tennis pro at a ritzy country club. He makes a great salary doing something he’d do for free.

Do you like to travel? Every thought about teaching English overseas? There are many opportunities to do this, particularly in Asia. Or how about working on a cruise ship, or being a tour guide?

The point is, if you put your mind to it, you could probably find a “perfect” job that doesn’t feel like work.

As part of your career planning strategy, think about what you’d truly love to do, not just how much money you’d like to earn.

An good resource for detailed guidebooks on a wide range jobs is FabJob.com. They’re not free, but just looking at the job titles may give you some new ideas.

Find your passion, do your research, and take action to get a job you’ll truly enjoy.

1. “Since my last report, he has reached rock-bottom and has started to dig.”
2. “I would not allow this employee to breed.”
3. “He is really not so much of a has-been, but more of a definite won’t be.”
4. “Works well when under constant supervision and cornered like a rat in a trap.”
5. “When she opens her mouth, it seems that it is only to change feet.”
7. “This young lady has delusions of adequacy.”
8. “He sets low personal standards and then consistently fails to achieve them.”
9. “This employee is depriving a village somewhere of an idiot.”
10. “He should go far, and the sooner he starts, the better.”
11. “Got a full 6-pack, but lacks the plastic thingy to hold it all together.”
12. “A gross ignoramus — 144 times worse than an ordinary ignoramus.”
13. “He doesn’t have ulcers, but he’s a carrier.”
14. ” I would like to go hunting with him sometime.”
15. “He’s been working with glue too much.”
16. “He would argue with a signpost.”
17. “He brings a lot of joy whenever he leaves the room.”
18. “When his IQ reaches 50, he should sell.”
19. “If you see two people talking and one looks bored, he’s the other one.”
20. “A photographic memory but with the lens cover glued on.”
21. “A prime candidate for natural de-selection.”
22. “Donated his brain to science before he was done using it.”
23. “Gates are down, the lights are flashing, but the train isn’t coming.”
24. “He’s got two brains cells, one is lost and the other is out looking for it.”
25. “If he were any more stupid, he’d have to be watered twice a week.”
26. “If you give him a penny for his thoughts, you’d get change.”
27. “If you stand close enough to him, you can hear the ocean.”
28. “It’s hard to believe he beat out 1,000,000 other sperm.”
29. “One neuron short of a synapse.”
30. “Some drink from the fountain of knowledge; he only gargled.”
31. “Takes him 2 hours to watch ’60-minutes’.”
32. “The wheel is turning, but the hamster is dead”

Photo by: davidjelkerud

There’s a great article over at the Career Hub Blog by Jean Cummings that offers three strategies to try if all else has failed during your job search:

1. Know where the jobs are in your field and redirect your career towards them. 

2. Change your career & get certified in a new field.

3. Get creative, follow your passion, and channel your inner entrepreneur.

Jean’s advice makes a lot of sense.

Get full details on the three above strategies by clicking here to read the entire article.

Is your boss an asshole?

Is your boss an asshole? Bully? Bitch? Jerk? Egomaniac? Idiot? Chauvinistic pig? Stinkin’ ratfink bastard?

Yes, it’s sad but true — such people CAN and DO get promoted into positions of authority.

But take heart. If your boss is someone you’ll never get along with, admire or respect — no matter how hard you try — there are a few things you can do that won’t get you arrested:

1. Wait. Is your boss close to retirement or promotion — or even better — termination? If so, try to bide your time and wait until that happy event happens.

2.  Bite your tongue. Keeping anger and frustration bottled up inside is not healthy, but neither is complaining about your boss at work. So if your family can tolerate it, vent at home instead. It’ll make you feel better even if it does nothing to help your situation. It may be tempting to complain about your boss at work, especially if coworkers are talking about the same problems. But resist that temptation! There’s bound to be a brown-nosing snitch who will rat you out to your boss.  When your boss finds out,  your life at work will become much worse.

3.  Continue to work hard. Regardless of how your boss treats you, it’s in your best self-interest to continue doing your job to the best of your ability. Stay focused and think about how your efforts are helping the company as a whole. If you do a good job, you may get noticed by your boss’s colleagues or superiors. Maybe a better opportunity will come along.

4.  Try to improve your relationship. If your boss is a complete asshole, this may be impossible no matter what you do. But if she/he’s only a partial asshole, perhaps it would be worth your time to try to make the situation better. After all, this person may have control over your advancement up the career ladder. And while quitting may seem to be the easiest thing to do, searching for another job, having to explain why you left this one, and struggling to get a decent reference from that asshole may make leaving a difficult option. Instead, swallow your pride, try to understand your boss’s management style and personality, and adapt yourself to that. For instance, if your boss is a nitpicky micromanager, provide constant updates and details on what you’re doing (even if you think it’s a waste of your time and she/he should just trust you to do your job). Effective communication is very important, and it works both ways. If your boss is unclear in telling you what needs to be done, ask questions until you know exactly what’s expected. During performance reviews or one-on-one discussions, ask what you can do to meet his expectations. Be nice and respectful, even when your boss is not.

5.  Go over your boss’s head. This is rarely a good idea. But if you’ve tried everything else, and you feel that your boss is making serious mistakes that affect the company (and not just you), consider talking to her/his superior. If you take this route, be prepared with specific examples and proof, not just accusations. And realize that this tactic may backfire on you (especially if your boss’s boss is also an asshole — they tend to stick together).

6.  Leave. This is a last resort and may be an extremely difficult decision for you, especially if you like your job, benefits, coworkers and company. But you must also consider your sanity (and that of your family to whom you vent). Carefully weigh the alternatives and if you decide that leaving is your best option, do it right. Don’t yell “I quit!” during a heated argument. Plan ahead — update your resume, start consulting with your network, look for another job. Your goal, if possible, is to have another job lined up before you tell your boss you’re leaving. And even then, resist the temptation to go all Johnny Paycheck and tell your boss to “take this job and shove it.” Try to leave on the best terms possible and don’t burn your bridges. You never know when and where that asshole boss (or his/her friends) might show up in your future!

Have you ever worked for an asshole? What did you do about it?

Photo by: Elizabeth the Queen of All Things

I usually say there’s no such thing as a bad job interview, because each one is an opportunity to practice, learn, and improve your interviewing skills.

But there are exceptions.

Here are five signs that the job interview is not going well and you should get the hell out of there:

1. The interviewer can’t remember the name of the company she works for.

2. The interviewer asks only personal questions that have nothing to do with the job (“Are you married? Do you come here often? What’s your sign? Want to pose for our company calendar?”).

3. The interview answers all of your questions about the position with, “I’m sorry. That information is confidential. If I told you, I’d have to kill you.”

4. There are mouse traps all over the place and the interviewer asks if you’re immune to the Hantavirus.

5. The interviewer’s eyes have a red glow, there’s a faint smell of sulphur in the air, and his opening remarks are “How badly do you want this job? Perhaps we can make a deal.”

OK, those are (mostly) silly examples, but my point is serious: If you have weird feelings or nagging doubts about the job or the person conducting the interview, don’t ignore them. Listen to your gut, your instinct, your sixth sense.

Analyze what it is that’s making you feel uncomfortable, and take appropriate action–even if that action is walking out.

Photo by: Hebedesign

This post is written from the perspective of a boss writing a letter of recommendation for a soon-to-be former employee. But the tips can also be used by people writing their own letter of recommendation.

A good letter of recommendation provides an overall description of the candidate’s abilities in enough detail that it helps the hiring manager decide whether or not he or she is right for the job — especially if it’s not possible to talk to all references. 

“Candy Date was a terrific employee” is not going to cut it.

If you are composing your own letter of recommendation for your boss’s signature, keep in mind that you have two audiences: your boss and the recipient. Try to write it from your boss’s perspective.

The more personalized and specific the letter of recommendation is, the more effective it will be.

Here’s the step-by-step process for writing the letter.

1. If appropriate and available, use company letterhead.

2. Salutation: Because the recipients are often unknown, the salutation should be TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.

3. First paragraph: The opening sentence is very important and sets the tone for the letter. State the purpose of the letter, namely that you’re writing a recommendation concerning the individual, but do it in a way that communicates your feelings about the person. In other words, if you are pleased to be writing it, say so.

4. Second paragraph: Explain who you are, how you know the individual, and how long you’ve known and/or worked with him or her. Be clear about the working relationship: explain whether he or she was your subordinate, co-worker, student, etc. Characterize the individual in general terms with your overall opinion.

5. Third-fourth paragraphs: Include detailed information about the person’s abilities and most exceptional qualities. Mention specific accomplishments and give concrete examples of how the person helped you and your company.

6. Last paragraph: Reiterate your opinion of the person and express your specific recommendation. One of the most valuable things you can say is that you would hire the individual again.

7. Include your title on your signature.

8. Proofread the letter carefully before it’s signed.

Sample Letter of Recommendation:

[Date]

To Whom It May Concern:

I am very happy to provide my highest recommendation for Bonnie Lowe, whom I have had the pleasure of working with for the past three years.

As Commander of the Pacific Region, I relied heavily on Bonnie’s expertise while she served as my Chief of Public Affairs. She excelled in every aspect of her position and was a tremendous asset to the entire organization.

Bonnie was responsible for providing news and information to internal audiences (our soldiers and their families), and to external audiences (members of the Okinawan community) about issues involving the Army on Okinawa. She accomplished this significant task by overseeing the publication of our unit newspaper, writing my speeches, responding to all media queries, marketing stories about local events to worldwide publications, and coordinating with the Okinawan media.

Under Bonnie’s guidance, the unit’s newspaper was expanded and redesigned to offer readers more news and information while at the same time reducing production costs by more than 20 percent. The fact that our newspaper was selected “Best in the Pacific” three years in a row can be directly attributed to Bonnie’s hard work, dedication and talent.

Bonnie’s specialty is planning, organizing and executing seemingly insurmountable tasks. Her positive attitude, proactive approach to her job, and her outstanding overall performance are qualities rarely seen in my 28-year career.

Bonnie would be valuable member of any organization. I have enjoyed working with her and would certainly welcome the opportunity to do so again. Hire her. She can handle anything.

Sincerely,

[Name]
Commander, Pacific Region

Photo by: Caitlinator

Here’s a brief excerpt from my Job Interview Success System:

“STEP 7: PLAN WHAT TO BRING TO YOUR INTERVIEW

“At a minimum, bring a few extra copies of your application and/or resume. If you have letters of recommendation, bring copies of those, as well. If you don’t have any letters of recommendation but have time to obtain some from your past employers or character references, do so–even if you have to speed things up by writing them yourself and getting your references to sign them. Having letters of recommendation ready to hand out at the interview will give you another leg up on your competition, and make you stand out among many applicants.”

I used to be a civil service employee working for the Department of Defense and was married to a military spouse. I had to change jobs  every 3-4 years when my husband was transferred. My bosses and coworkers transferred every few years, too. Because it was very difficult for me to provide current contact information for my references, I always obtained letters of recommendation before leaving each job. I also asked departing bosses for such letters.

Even if you’ve already been hired by your next employer, getting a letter of recommendation from each boss you leave behind is a good idea, in my opinion. Employers would prefer to talk directly to your references, of course. But when that’s not possible, a good letter of recommendation is the next best thing.

So I was eager to read what Nick Corcodilos, author of the “Ask The Headhunter” book, blog and e-newsletter (which I highly recommend) said in answer to a reader’s question: “I asked my boss for a letter of recommendation.  She in turn asked me to write it myself, and said she’ll sign it.  Should I write my own reference letter for my boss to sign?”

Nick said: “Your boss is a boob, and you can tell her I said so. If she won’t take the time to write an honest letter of recommendation for you, she’s insulting you. You should not write your own recommendation that someone else signs. I would go back and ask her to write it herself because it isn’t ethical for you to write it and because you cannot articulate about yourself what your boss could.”

It’s rare that I disagree with Nick’s advice. But this time I do.

In a perfect world, our bosses would be happy to write a letter of recommendation for us, they’d have the time to do so, and they’d be terrific and convincing writers.

But most of us don’t live in such a world. Our bosses are stressed out and overworked. Often they’re not exactly thrilled that we’re leaving their team, creating a vacancy and adding a new recruitment process to their bulging workload. Even if they understand and agree with our decision to move on, we’re creating a hardship for them. In these situations, asking our boss to do us the favor of writing a letter of recommendation is asking a heck of a lot.

So I don’t feel it was surprising (and it certainly was not “insulting”) for that reader’s boss to ask him to write the letter for her signature.

Even if your boss agrees to write it, there’s the QUALITY of that letter to consider. Something like this might do more harm than good:

“Bonnie was well liked and performed her duties in a satisfactory manner. She should be a good employee.”

Ouch! Not exactly glowing praise, is it? That’s a real example; I didn’t use it.

Let’s face it–sometimes our relationships with our bosses aren’t all that great. They may be clueless about the details of our accomplishments. Often they’re not very good writers.

And they’re certainly not as motivated to write an outstanding letter about you as YOU are.

In such cases, I see nothing “unethical” about writing your own letter of recommendation as long as your boss signs it.

Of course, the best-case scenario is when your boss writes the letter and does a fantastic job. I consider myself to be decent writer and would have no problem writing my own letter of recommendation for my boss to sign, but I’m a bit modest and would never have the nerve to write something like this about myself:

“Bonnie has been, without a doubt, the most valuable person in this Division since her arrival. In my 34 years of public service, I rate her as the best administrator I have ever had the pleasure of working with.”

That’s also a real example, and it was backed up with details about what I did to deserve such praise. Needless to say, I did use that one.

The bottom line is that it depends on your boss, and on your relationship with your boss.

If you feel he or she would be willing and able to write a great letter for you, by all means ask your boss to do so. But if you don’t think it would be a good idea, be open to writing the letter yourself, and ask for their recommendation like this:

“I was wondering if you’d be willing to give me a letter of recommendation before I go.  I could draft something up for you to sign if you’re too busy to write it.”

This approach will allow your boss to endorse you without doing extra work and shows your respect for his/her time. It’ll be easier for your boss to say “Yes” to such a request than to commit to writing a letter for you.

The next step, assuming your boss said yes, is to write a convincing letter. I’ll cover that in my next post.

Once you have your signed recommendation letter from your boss, send him/her a thank-you note.

Note: All of this advice assumes you’re leaving in good standing and are worthy of a recommendation. If you were fired or quit in a negative light, forget about the letter.

Photo by: Ta7za

Thinking about changing careers, or wondering what to do after you graduate? While I do not advise going after “hot” jobs without serious self-evaluation to determine whether or not you’d be a good fit for them (or they’d be a good fit for you), if you’re totally clueless about what you’d like to do, it may help to see a list of options. And if those career options are expanding instead of declining, so much the better.

CareerBuilder.com recently compiled of a list of 30 jobs that will add the most workers in 2008-2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Several of them aren’t very sexy or high-paying jobs:  food service workers, retail sales people, office clerks, landscapers/groundskeepers, etc. But these and similar jobs are good entry-level positions in growing demand. They don’t require college degrees or a ton of experience, and can be a good first step toward worthwhile career paths.

If you think you’d enjoy caring for people, good options include registered nurses, nursing aids, home health aides, medical assistants, and — if you’re really ambitious and have lots of money for school — physicians and surgeons.

The list has something for everyone. See all 30 jobs, along with their projected growth rate over the next 10 years, here.

(Ignore this… just getting my blog registered with Technorati.)

Photo by: Avantard

Job interviews are stressful situations. Even the most capable candidates sometimes say things they regret. To help you avoid doing that, here’s a list of things you should never say during a job interview:

1. “I’ve never heard such a stupid question.”

2. “I have a problem with authority.”

3. “Can we wrap this up? I have another interview in 20 minutes.”

4. “What is your company’s policy on frequent absences?”

5. “Can my mom come in and talk to you about the job?”

6. “If I get an offer, will I have to take a drug test?”

7. “How much money do you make?”

8. “My parents told me I need to get a job, so that is why I’m here.”

9. “I’m really not interested in learning new things.”

10. “I hate questions like that.”

11. “Can you speak more softly? I’ve got a killer hangover.”

12. “Are you busy later? I know a great little Italian place.”

13. “What does your company do?”

14. “My last boss wanted me to work my ass off.”

15. “How long before I can take a vacation?”

16. “Mind if I take this call?”

17. “If you don’t hire me I’ll sue you for discrimination.”

18. “Mind if I smoke?”

19. “I don’t have any weaknesses.”

20. “I don’t really want this job. I just need proof that I’m applying for work so I can collect unemployment.”

21. “Can I video this interview and post it on YouTube?”

22. “Wow. Your LinkedIn photo must’ve been taken a long time ago, huh?”

23. “I’m a lone-wolf type and would rather not have to work with other people.”

24. “You should hire me because I really, really want this job.”

There is a risk associated with letting your true self (your personality) show: some people won’t like you. That’s why many bloggers prefer to be “bland” — it doesn’t offend anyone.

It doesn’t excite anyone, either.

Besides, if you aren’t offending anyone, you probably aren’t making a difference in people’s lives, right?

So anyway, that’s a ridiculously long and dull way to explain why I’m writing this off-topic post about things I wish I never had to do. (And here I am trying to be more interesting. Dammit.)

Some bloggers writing about things they hate or things they love. But I thought the following list would be more fun, more interesting, and more original. So, without further ado…

THINGS I WISH I NEVER HAD TO DO
(in no particular order)

1.  Unclog a clogged toilet.

2.  Fart in public.

3.  Prepare for a colonoscopy.

4.  Go to a funeral.

5.  Fire someone.

6.  Pay interest.

7.  Throw up.

8.  Clean a fish.

9.  Watch someone die.

10.  Cry.

11.  Dig ditches.

12.  Lie.

13.  Lose weight.

14.  Lose a pet.

15.  Lose a loved one.

16.  Lose my virginity. (Hah! Not really; just seeing if you’re paying attention!)

17.  Get stuck in traffic.

18.  Close those damn annoying pop-ups that get in the way when I’m trying to read websites.

19.  Listen to people talk about their religion.

20.  Work for an asshole.

There are many other things I wish I never had to do, but what about you — what do YOU wish you never had to do?

Photo by: Andres Thor

I received the following email from a reader: “How should I respond to inappropriate questions such as: ‘Do you have a stable home life?’ and ‘Tell me about your family situation.’  Are these inappropriate questions? It has been so long since I interviewed for a job, your suggestions about the most helpful responses would be appreciated!”

Those are, indeed, inappropriate questions that should not be asked at an interview.

Various federal, state, and local laws regulate the questions a prospective employer can ask you. An employer’s questions — on the job application, in the interview, or during the testing process — must be related to the job for which you are applying.

That does not mean, however, that you will never be asked inappropriate questions.

Some companies have poor HR support, some interviewers are untrained and unaware of inappropriate questions, and some even ask them knowing they should not.

You won’t have much chance of getting the job if you respond to such questions by saying, “Hey, that’s an inappropriate question. You can’t ask me that!”

So you have a few options.

First, you can answer the question.  If you choose to do so, realize that you are giving information that is not job-related. You could harm your chances by giving the “wrong” answer.

Or you could respond with something like, “How would my answer to that question directly relate to my ability to perform in this position?” If you keep your tone friendly (versus annoyed), they may realize they’ve goofed by asking such a question without getting upset at you for pointing out their mistake. Depending on how they respond, you may feel more comfortable answering.

The best strategy, I believe, is to figure out and address their TRUE CONCERN.

When they ask something like, “Do you have a stable personal life?” they may be trying to protect themselves from a bad situation they’ve had to deal with in the past (former employee whose personal problems interfered with his/her ability to do the job). So what they really want to know is, will YOU be a reliable employee who can be counted upon to show up and do your job effectively, regardless of any personal problems you may have.

So try to address their underlying concern. In this instance you might say, “My career is very important to me. I’m fully committed to performing at my highest level at all times, and don’t allow any kind of distractions to interfere with that. I’ll deliver the results you’re looking for.”

If you’re not sure what their true concern is, ask something like “Could you please rephrase or elaborate on your question? I want to make sure I address your concern.”

Please realize that many interviewers are untrained and therefore unaware that a question they might ask to break the ice — such as “Do you have any kids?” — is inappropriate. Yes, this question may be an attempt to determine if you have child-care issues that could interfere with your job… but it’s MORE likely that the interviewer is innocently trying to find something he/she has in common with you.

In the end, it’s basically a judgment call on your part.

If you feel the interviewer has no legitimate reason to ask an inappropriate question, and you do not want to answer it, say “I’m sorry, but I don’t see how that has any relevance to my ability to do this job.” You might run the risk of losing the job, but if your gut instinct is telling you there’s something amiss, you wouldn’t want to work for that person anyway.

Here’s a list of some questions — the wrong way, and the right way, to obtain legitimate information:

Inappropriate: Are you a U.S. citizen? OK: Are you authorized to work in the United States?

Inappropriate: How old are you? OK: Are you over the age of 18?

Inappropriate: What’s your marital status? Do you have children? OK: Would you be able and willing to work overtime, if necessary?

Inappropriate: How much do you weigh? Do you have any disabilities? OK: Are you able to perform the physical duties required in this job, with or without reasonable accommodations?

Inappropriate: Have you ever been arrested? OK: Have you ever been convicted of _____? (The crime should be reasonably related to the performance of the job in question. For a job as a cashier, asking if you’ve been convicted of theft is reasonable.)

Photo by: tourist_on_earth

The job market is tough enough; do NOT make things harder on yourself by doing any of the things on this list!

1. Apply for jobs you are not qualified for.

2. Send a generic cover letter that doesn’t identify the position you’re interested in, or match your qualifications to the job.

3. Put a useless, seen-it-a-million-times “Objective” on your resume that says you want a “challenging opportunity with a forward-looking company where I can utilize my knowledge, experience and skills to our mutual advantage.”

4. Make your resume a list of past duties instead of accomplishments.

5. Lie, brag or exaggerate about ANYTHING.

6. Keep making repetitive “notice-me” calls to ask if your resume was received.

7. Fail to respond quickly to messages left on your answering machine or voicemail.

8. Expect them to schedule your phone-screening interview after normal business hours.

9. Refuse to give your salary requirements when requested prior to the interview. (At least give a range.)

10. Fail to research the company prior to the interview.

11. Arrive at the interview late.

12. Be rude to the receptionist.

13. Put “See attached resume” instead of filling out the application form.

14. Be unprepared at the interview.

15. Ask “What’s in it for ME?” type questions (How much vacation time do I get?) at the interview.

16. Fail to send a thank-you letter after the interview.

17. Call to ask about the status of the position days before when you were told they’d make a decision.

There are many other ways to annoy potential employers. So before you do what you’re thinking about doing, ask yourself: “Could this portray me in a negative light to the hiring manager?”  If your answer is yes or maybe, don’t do it.

Photo by: Zoomar

A very effective tactic when selling something is to promote its benefits as well as its features. Very simply, features are what something has; benefits are what those features do for you.

For example, if you’re selling your dog, one of the features you might mention is its small size.

If you focus only on the feature, you’ll say, “This dog weighs 8 pounds and is quite small.” (Yawn)

But if you promote that feature with its benefit, you could say, “This dog is small. At only 8 pounds, he’s perfectly sized for curling up on your lap, riding around in your backpack, or wearing the sweaters your baby has outgrown. He won’t knock you down or drag you along when you go for a walk. Best of all, he doesn’t eat — or poop — large amounts!”

See how that makes a more powerful impression? The potential buyer can visualize how this small dog may fit perfectly into her lifestyle. Use the same tactic for each feature of the dog, and (Ka-ching!) you have a much quicker sale.

When you’re preparing your resume or answering questions during a job interview, you’re selling yourself, so use that same tactic: sell your benefits along with your features!

Here’s how:

Consider these typical “features” that a job applicant for an administrative assistant position might have:

• 10 Years of Experience
• Ability to Type 90 Words Per Minute
• Strong Organizational Skills
• Dedicated
• Excellent Communicator
• 2004 Administrator of the Year, Acme International Inc.

Those are pretty impressive. Now let’s see how you can turn those “features” into “benefits:”

• Feature: 10 Years of Experience. Benefits: “I know what to expect in this type of position; I’ve handled this type of work before; I won’t need much training or supervision; I’ll hit the ground running and will start producing right away.”

• Feature: Ability to Type 90 Words Per Minute. Benefits: “I can get your 10-page reports done in less than an hour; I will speed up your work flow.”

• Feature: Strong Organizational Skills. Benefits: “I’ll keep track of your schedule so you’ll always be on time and have the materials you need; I will be able to quickly retrieve any document; I will prioritize my workload to ensure the most critical projects are done first; I will save you time; I’ll help you make your boss happy.”

• Feature: Dedicated. Benefits: “I will support the company’s overall mission and do whatever I can to help achieve it; I won’t complain about hard work or long hours; I will faithfully do my job to the best of my ability.”

• Feature: Excellent Communicator. Benefits: “I will easily be able to give you and your staff the information you and they need, whether in verbal or written form; I will be able to compose much of your correspondence, relieving you of that duty; I will save you time and effort.”

• Feature: Administrator of the Year, 2003, Acme International Inc. Benefits: “I’m very good at what I do, and you don’t have to take my word for it – here’s proof that others have recognized my skill, professionalism, and outstanding contributions.”

Even more impressive!

See how that works? A “feature” is nice. But even better is answering the hiring manager’s unspoken question, “So why is that important?” You do that by selling your benefits.

Make a list of your own features and their corresponding benefits. Learn to promote these benefits to your potential employer. Do this in your cover letter, your resume, and during your job interview to make a powerful impression.

You will SELL yourself into a new job!

Photo by: Basheem

Sometimes a hiring process will include having lunch with the hiring manager. Despite anything said to the contrary (like “It’ll just be an informal lunch so we can get to know each other”), this is a formal part of your interview!

This can be a very tricky situation.

Impressions made in a restaurant are just as important as those in an office or meeting room.

If you don’t want an “eating malfunction” to ruin your chances at a new job (or a promotion if you’re dining with the boss), follow these four tips:

1. Avoid ordering messy foods.

This includes barbecue ribs and long pasta, of course, but also anything with stringy cheese… you know, the kind that stretches up with your fork from the plate to your mouth.

Watch out for soup, anything with a sauce or other “drippable” ingredient. No matter how careful you are, you know an invisible hole can magically appear in your spoon and cause you to drip all over yourself!

Even a seemingly innocent salad can be hazardous.  Have you ever tried to spear a cherry tomato with your fork and squirted yourself, your neighbor, or watched the tomato go flying off your plate? Not impressive. Avoid cherry tomatoes. They’re evil.

Don’t order something you’ve never tried before. If it’s horrible, you won’t be able gag or spit it out into your napkin… not if you want to impress the big shot.

2. Mind your manners.

First, let me say I am not “Miss Manners.” These are just common-sense tips, not something you’d learn at charm school. (So don’t leave a comment telling me all about “proper” etiquette, OK?)

This may be considered old-fashioned and unnecessary by some (especially women’s libbers, if there’s still such a thing), but I think it’s still a nice courtesy for a man to pull out a chair for a woman. Either sex can offer to take someone’s coat and hang it up. In general, just be nice, thoughtful, and courteous.

Be polite and friendly to the servers; thank them when they bring you something.

If you’re in a fancy-schmancy place with 6 different forks, 3 knives and 2 spoons, don’t freak out about which to use for what. In general, they’re placed in the order in which they’re used… the implement furthest from the plate being used first. So when the salad comes out first, grab the fork furthest from your plate. Or just watch what the big shot does and follow his/her example.

If your food comes out first, don’t start scarfing it down while the others wait for their food to arrive. If they’re courteous, they’ll invite you to go ahead before your food gets cold. Likewise, if someone else has been served and is waiting while your food is delayed, invite them to go ahead and eat.

Don’t reach… ask someone to pass.

Don’t use your bread to mop up sauce, soup, or anything else.

Don’t slurp or burp. Ever. Yes, this may be acceptable in some countries as a way to show appreciation for good food, but if you’re in the U.S., don’t do it. Even if the big shot does.

Don’t eye someone else’s food and ask, “Are you gonna eat all that?”

3. Watch the cost.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve been told, “Order anything you’d like, this is on me.” Do not order the most expensive thing on the menu! Even if the big shot does.

4. Beer or wine?

Have you seen that commercial where several guys are at a restaurant with a big shot and he asks what they want to drink? They go around the table and all order a non-alcoholic drink except for the last guy, who orders a Sam Adams (beer). The big shot is “impressed” and orders the same.

Hah! Never fall for anything you see in a beer commercial!

Would you have a beer or glass of wine at the office? (You better say “No!”) Despite the surroundings, food and drink, if this is a business function (and it certainly is if you’re interviewing or discussing business with your boss), do NOT order alcohol! Even if the big shot does.

Remember, the bottom line is that it’s not about the food or the drink — it’s about making a good impression!

That’s hard to do with spinach stuck in your teeth, so don’t forget to clean ‘em with your tongue often!

Photo by: Lara604

Do you spend too much time “on the job”?

I don’t mean physically at your place of employment. I mean bringing it home with you.

Do you vent your frustrations by telling your family about what a lousy day you had, or how much of a jerk your boss or co-worker is?

Even if they listen politely, do you think they really want to hear that every night?

It’s OK to express your frustrations at home once in a while, and it can be good to get what’s bothering you off your chest. If you can’t complain at work, it’s better to complain at home than to keep it bottled up inside until you explode and get yourself fired.

But don’t make it a daily habit.

If you constantly force your family to listen to your grumblings, it means two things:

(1) You hate your job and should look for another one;

(2) You selfishly put yourself and your pain ahead of your family and the pain they go through every night having to listen to you!

So deal with it in another way, and stop spending so much time “on the job”! (Your family will thank you.)

Photo by: Steve Wampler

Do you think you deserve a raise? Of course you do! But what does your boss think?

Here’s how to go about convincing your boss that you’re worth more than you’re currently being paid.

1.  First, you must realize that doing a great job is NOT a good enough reason to justify a raise. Your boss EXPECTS you to do a great job. So your performance must be “over and above” what other employees in similar positions are doing.

And you can’t rely on your boss to recognize your true worth without help from you. If you don’t ask for one, you may never get a raise.

2.  Make a list of your specific accomplishments that EXCEED the job you were hired to do. Make your list as specific as possible. Provide a detailed record of how you’ve beaten goals, taken on additional responsibilities, and contributed to the organization’s success in ways that were significant.

3.  Do some research, perhaps at a site like Salary.com. Find out what people in similar positions at other companies are earning. If it’s more, you definitely want to have this information to back up your request. (If it’s less, don’t mention it and be satisfied with what you’re earning!)

4.  When you have your ammunition ready, ask your boss if you can talk with him about your performance. Tell him you would appreciate his considering giving you a raise, based on your “above and beyond” performance. Say you’ve taken the liberty of writing out your accomplishments for his easy reference, and give him your list. Then mention (if appropriate) what employees in similar positions are earning at other companies, and give him the data to back it up.

5.  Do not mention a specific salary figure that you’d like to earn. This is the beginning of a negotiation process, and your first step is to convince your boss that your request deserves consideration. Once you pass that hurdle, then be prepared to suggest a range, such as a 3-5% increase.

Get your raise!

If you’ve presented a good case and you know from your research that you are worth more than you are being paid, chances are good that you’ll obtain your raise.

Or not!

But it depends on many factors, least of which may be your boss’s desire to keep you on his staff.

He may agree that you deserve a raise and desperately want to give it to you, but this may not be a decision he has the authority to make.

Plus the company’s budget is another important factor. Depending on how well things are going, there simply may not be enough money to pay you what you’re worth.

If for whatever reason you are unsuccessful in obtaining a raise, you’ll need to decide what your next step should be. If you love your job, you may be willing to continue working there.

If not, be prepared to start looking elsewhere if a higher salary is your top priority.

Photo by: khinetheinsoe

One of the best things you can do to increase your career advancement opportunities where you work is to do something unexpected.

Many workers who are lazy or unmotivated do the minimum amount of work to not get fired.

To shine in comparison, do MORE than expected.

It’s often not enough to do “a fine job” and expect promotions based on longevity. So find opportunities to show you can handle more responsibility or different duties than those in your job description.

Here’s one example from my own personal experience. Years ago, I had a good job as the executive assistant to the general manager. But I often didn’t have enough to do to keep me busy. I hate being bored, and I enjoy writing. So I volunteered to write articles for the employee newsletter during my slow times.

The editor liked what I wrote, and every article I submitted was published. Readers even began looking forward to my articles.

One day the editor left for a position with another company. Because she was familiar with my writing ability, the hiring manager suggested that I apply for the job. I had to go through the standard hiring process and compete with several other applicants, but because the hiring manager had first-hand knowledge of my writing style and capabilities, I had an edge over the competition. I got the job.

Not only was this a promotion, it was a move into a position that I found much more challenging and rewarding.

So look around and take advantage of opportunities to do more than expected. You’ll enjoy more job satisfaction, help others, and — just maybe — get rewarded for your efforts!

Photo by: Shiv Shankar

Music soothes the savage beast. Seriously… who can be in a bad mood while listening to their favorite music?

But can music help you with your next job interview?

It just might! Here’s how.

First, it can help you during your research, preparation and practice.

While it doesn’t appear to work for everyone, some studies suggest that having classical music playing softly in the background as you study can boost your recall.

Try it as you’re reading over your prepared answers for probable job interview questions.

Second, music can help you relax, put you in an positive mood, and help dispel nervousness.

Think of a song you really enjoy, one that makes you feel great, and listen to it as you’re driving to your interview.

A possible song you might consider is “All Star” by Smash Mouth. It’s got a great, upbeat tempo, and some of the lyrics could be interpreted as advice for getting ahead:

“You’ll never know if you don’t go, you’ll never shine if you don’t glow… Hey now, you’re an All Star, get your game on, go play; Hey now, you’re a Rock Star, get the show on, get paid…. All that glitters is gold, Only shooting stars break the mold.” Crank that up, listen to those words, and say to yourself, “I AM a shooting star, I’m going to SHINE, break the mold, and GET PAID!”

Another great (and more current) song is “I Gotta Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas. Just change the chorus a bit in your head as you’re listening, to “… today’s gonna be a good day…”

Whatever music you love, kick it up and listen on your way to your interview. I guarantee you’ll be in a confident, upbeat mood that will give you a major edge over your nervous, uptight competiton!

Image: Chris Griffith

The competition is killer, and there’s no room for error if you want to make a favorable impression.

In addition to an unprofessional appearance, here are six mistakes you must avoid (unless your goal is to remain in the unemployment line):

(1) Being unprepared for the interview. Prepare, plan, and practice! In today’s tough job market, you MUST do everything you can to give yourself an edge… preparation is the key.

(2) Not being able to communicate clearly and effectively. This is important during the interview and on the job. Being nervous can really mess up your communication skills, so being well prepared and practicing what you’re going to say are always your best bet.

(3) Being aggressive, arrogant, or acting in a superior way. No one wants to hire or work with people who think they’re better than everyone else. Be careful with your attitude, even if you think you’re surrounded by idiots. Being confident is good. Being an arrogant jerk is bad.

(4) Making excuses for failings. Your teacher never bought “The dog ate my homework!” and the hiring manager isn’t going to buy “I got fired because my boss was an idiot.”  You’ll never earn respect by blaming others when things go wrong.

(5) Saying unfavorable things about previous employers. Even if you left a job because the boss really WAS an idiot, don’t say anything bad about him/her during an interview. When asked “Why did you leave your last job?” say something neutral like “My advancement opportunities were limited there, and obtaining another position was the best option for me to achieve my career goals.”

(6) Having a poor/limp handshake. Why do people think you’ll be a lousy employee if you have a lousy handshake? That’s not really logical, is it? Doesn’t matter. It just turns people off and gives them a bad impression of you. So make your handshake firm and confident but not bone-crushing. (It’s not a competition to see who winces first!)

Avoid those common mistakes and you’ll find a new job much faster.

Photo by: SupazTyler2

Most of us would like to move up the career ladder. Wouldn’t a promotion with a bigger salary be great?

Not always.

If you have the opportunity to apply for a higher-level position, look before you leap! There’s more to consider than just a bigger paycheck. Don’t be blinded by the dollar signs dancing in your head.

Take a close look at the position’s duties and responsibilities. Would you enjoy them?

Outside of the salary, would your quality of life be better or worse in the new position?

Here’s a real-life example: Joe, a very talented graphic artist who loves what he does, is considering applying for the position recently vacated by his boss, a division manager. If he gets the job, it would mean an increase in pay of more than $20,000 per year.

But it would also mean he’d be supervising graphic design work instead of doing any himself.

He’d spend most of his time overseeing projects, worrying about budgets, playing politics with other managers, and running from meeting to meeting. He’d be coming in earlier and staying later.

To the other people in his office, he’d no longer be “one of us” — he’d be “the boss.”

He’d have more responsibility, much more stress, and less time with his family and friends.

What would you do if you were Joe?

Many people get so excited about the possibility of a promotion and bigger salary that they fail to consider the consequences of “success.”

Before you apply for a promotion, consider carefully: is it worth it?

Photo by: Katie Tegtmeyer

“Why do you want this job?”

This is one of the most common job interview questions. Should you answer it truthfully?

That depends on what the truth is… but in most cases, I’d say… “Hell no!”

Gasp! I’m telling you to lie during a job interview?!?

Not exactly.  You just need to find a different truthful answer that’s better than the one that first pops into your head.

Stick with me on this and I’ll explain what I mean.

Many candidates do answer that question honestly–but that can be a big mistake.

Here are some honest answers to that question:

• “I’ve been laid off and need a new job.”
• “I’ve heard your company has great benefits.”
• “I want a shorter commute.”
• “This position would pay me a lot more than I’m currently earning.”
• “I hate my current job.”
• “It’s my dream job.”
• “I’m looking for new challenges.”

Any one of those may be the real, honest to God truth about why you’re applying for the position… but none is a good answer.

Why? Because they’re all self-centered; they’re all about you-you-you. Yes, the question is asking why you want the job, so it seems logical to give an answer about your wants and desires.

But that isn’t really what the hiring manager wants to hear.

Here’s a better way to answer the question…

When you are asked during an interview, “Why do you want this job?” don’t give a reason that is self-centered. I’m not saying you should lie… well, not exactly. I’m saying you should give an answer that isn’t dishonest, but focuses on the hiring manager’s goals and desires rather than just your own.

Find a reason that will make the hiring manager feel you will be a valuable member of his/her team, because you share a common interest.

How? Research.

Before your interview, study the position description as well as the mission of the organization. Why do the position and the organization exist? The hiring manager is responsible for helping the organization achieve its goals, so you need to convince him/her that you are eager to help with that.

If you know the hiring manager’s name, you might be able to do research on him/her, too, through sites such as LinkedIn.

Try to match your personal values and desires to the organization’s or hiring manager’s goals.

If, for example, the organization manufactures solar panels (a product that helps the environment), you might say, “I’ve always been passionate about environmental issues. This position would give me the opportunity to use my skills and experience for something truly worthwhile: promoting alternative energy solutions that reduce pollution and conserve resources.”

That reason is not self-centered; it matches the goals of the organization and the hiring manager; and it is much more likely to create a favorable impression (and get you hired) than simply telling the “I need a better job” truth.

Photo by: Michael

I’ll admit it. Resumes aren’t my specialty. There are already 17 million resume “experts” online (at least it seems that way). I have neither the desire nor the time to join or compete with them.

But occasionally I receive a question about resume preparation that prompts me to search for a good resource to which I can refer people.

If you perform a search on “sample resume” plus the job title (for example, “executive assistant sample resume”), you’ll often find dozens of free examples. Some of the styles and formats are different, but the basic content of most resume examples–showing how to describe your experience–is usually very similar.

And usually very bad.

The problem is this:

Most resume examples show you how to list your responsibilities and duties, but totally ignore the most important element of your experience–the RESULTS you’ve achieved.

It boggles my mind that so many so-called resume experts apparently have no clue about what hiring managers really want to know about you.

Here’s an important tip: most job descriptions are written by HR people, not hiring managers. Even if the job description says “responsible for selling widgets,” the hiring manager does NOT want to read on your resume that you were “responsible for selling widgets” (responsibility). He DOES want to read that you “increased widget sales by 10% over a six-month period” (result). See the difference?*

If you want your resume to do its job (get you an interview), make it action-packed and full of results!

Here’s how Aaron Patzer, CEO of Mint.com (who is hiring, by the way), puts it:

“I don’t care where you went to school or how much experience you have; show me what you’ve done.”

Finding good examples of this is challenging, but here are some resources you should take a look at:

(1) “How to Write a Resume (that gets job interviews).” This is a series of helpful blog articles by Kerry Taylor of Squawkfox.com.

(2) A good sample resume that shows how to include results and specific achievements when writing about your experience.

(3) Guerrilla Resumes. This is an excellent guide by Kevin Donlin and David Perry, two guys who get it; they know the old-fashioned resumes still being prepared and sold by so many “experts” simply do not work well enough in today’s extremely challenging job market. Instead, they offer some of the most innovative and effective tips I’ve come across. This guide is not free but it’s less than $30 — and get this: if it doesn’t work for you, they’ll refund your money and pay you an additional $50.   (Disclosure: I’m an affiliate, so if you buy Guerrilla Resumes, I might get a small commission. That’s not why I’m recommending it.)

*Note: Because resumes are often first scanned by software searching for key words rather than humans searching for talented people, you do want to match phrases in your resume with those used in the job description. So if the job description says “responsible for selling widgets,” use that exact phrase on your resume, but then be sure to add your specific RESULTS.

Start Up

I just read a little book (and I mean that literally; it’s smaller than my hand) by G.L. Hoffman called “Start Up: 100 Tips to Get Your Business Going.”

Here’s what GL said in an email explaining why he wrote his new book:

“One of the things I like doing is mentoring young entrepreneurs. I have found this to be fun, and yet frustrating. The things they know… and don’t. So, I wrote this little book called “StartUp, 100 Tips to Get Your Business Going.”

It took me about 25 minutes to read the entire book. Many of the pages have fewer than five sentences.

But don’t let that fool you.

You know that old saying, “Good things come in small packages?” Yep, it’s true. This little book is full of BIG ideas and suggestions that, when put into practice, can make the difference between failure and success.

Here are just a few of the powerful nuggets I found in GL’s book:

• Should you feel bad that you can’t “do it all?” Answered in Tip #1.
• Is having fun at work over-rated?  #6.
• What’s more important, having friends or being fair? #9.
• Why is it good to have an enemy? #10.
• What one thing can you do to motivate yourself? #23.
• Is being first with an idea always smart? #27.
• Do you have to know everything that’s happening?  #39.
• Are customers always right? #47.
• Why do you have to be an energy-creator?  #96.

Despite the title, GL’s little book is not just for entrepreneurs starting up a business. Many of the tips can also help established business owners, freelancers, managers, employees, and those searching for a new job.

GL knows his stuff. He’s a “serial entrepreneur” and venture investor, operator, incubator, and a mentor. Two of his companies have traveled the entire success path from the garage to IPO. He has been featured in Forbes, FastCompany, the Wall Street Journal and other publications. He is currently chairman of LinkUp.com, the fastest growing job search engine. And he writes a popular blog at WhatWouldDadSay.com.

Image by: Patrick Hoesly

Do you send a thank-you letter, email or note after a job interview? You should.

Thank-you letters sent after job interviews are more than just polite expressions of gratitude. When done correctly, they can be powerful tools that tip the scales in your favor when it comes to winning the job.

When you understand why and how to send them–and actully DO send them–you’ll have a leg up on your competition.

Here’s what you need to know and do when writing a job-winning thank-you letter:

Write a thank-you letter as soon as you get home from the interview (or sooner!). You’ll use it for several purposes:

1.  To say thank you. Express your appreciation for the interview. You really should be thankful. There may have been dozens (or even hundreds) of applicants for that position. Even though your qualifications are what got you the interview, be humble and appreciate the opportunity you were given to show them in person what a wonderful asset to the company you will make!

2.  To re-emphasize your qualifications and/or provide further explanation of something discussed at the interview.  Tell them why you’d be the perfect person to help them achieve their goals. Be sure to include any important information about yourself that you may have omitted during the interview. If necessary, add a paragraph to correct any misunderstanding or misconception the interviewer might have about you.

For example, during one of my interviews we’d talked about the many different places I’d lived and worked.  I realized after the interview that they may think I move so frequently that I wouldn’t be around long enough to make hiring me worthwhile.  So I addressed this in my thank-you letter with a paragraph that said: “There is one thing I failed to mention during our interview:  my moving days are over. I’ve made this area my permanent home and intend to stay with my next employer for eternity (or until I retire; whichever comes first).”  (I used humor in my cover letter and thank-you letter, something that can be tricky…  a subject for a future post.)

3.  To re-emphasize that you want the job. This is assuming, of course, that you do want the job. If after the interview you don’t think it’s the right job for you, don’t bother sending a thank-you letter.

4.  To take another opportunity to make yourself shine in comparison to the other candidates. A thank-you letter can be written in less than 30 minutes, but only a small percentage of job seekers actually bother to do this. So by sending this letter, you will create another favorable impression that sets you above the rest.  Also, mention something specific in the letter that shows it’s not a “canned” form letter.  For example, “I enjoyed hearing about your record-breaking sales campaign.”

If you’re not sure who to address the letter to, call the Human Resources person who scheduled your interview. Get the names (and spelling) and mailing address of everyone who participated in the interview.

Your letter can be handwritten, but I’d only recommend this if you have wonderful handwriting. If in doubt, do it on a computer.
<P>
Unless the timing is an issue (for instance, if they’ll make a decision within a day or two), it may be better to send your thank-you letter as a regular letter through snail-mail than to do it by email. People (especially busy executives) get so much email these days they may ignore yours.  Real letters are rare by comparison, and thus more special. A letter printed on nice paper with your signature on it will get their attention when an email message may not. But send your letter as soon as possible. You want it to arrive before they’ve made their decision.
<P>
Also – this is critical – make sure your thank-you letter is error-free. Don’t rely on your spell-checker; have someone else proof it for you.  It must be perfect

Send a great thank-you letter and you may soon be saying “Thank you!” when they call to say “You’re hired!”

(Note: This is an excerpt from my Job Interview Success System.)