Almost everyone gets nervous when they’re about to go into an interview. Will they get the job? Will the boss ask them something that they can’t, or don’t want to, answer? What if they accidentally burp or knock something over or trip or do something embarrassing? Those kinds of thoughts can run around and around in your head until you get sick or panic.
Read the rest of this entry »

It can be stressful to change jobs, especially if you really like what you do or enjoy being around your coworkers. Perhaps your commute is easy or the work is not difficult. Maybe there are perks that you wouldn’t likely get anywhere else – something as simple as free donuts each day or a company raffle. Sometimes, even when everything seems fine, it’s still time to move on and do something else; or at least do what you already do somewhere else. Read the rest of this entry »

Not everyone can find what he or she is looking for when it comes to a job hunt. Sometimes, you have to just buckle down and take a job that isn’t exactly what you’d hoped for because you need money or you need to get your foot in the door.  It’s hard to flip burgers when you really wanted to be an executive, so you might want to spend as much time as you can trying to find, if not the right job, at least something that’s in the area of what you’re looking for. Read the rest of this entry »

Asking for a raise is never easy, but there are times that you shouldn’t consider doing it and times that you have a good chance of getting it. Unfortunately, people often pick times when they really shouldn’t be asking. Read the rest of this entry »

You’ve probably heard the phrase ‘you never get a second chance to make a first impression’ and it’s very true of the job market. If you want to ‘nail’ your first impression when you apply for a job, there are some simple things that you can do. Read the rest of this entry »

Who doesn’t dream of the freelance lifestyle? No boss, and you work when and where you want.  But it’s not really like that, at least not if you want to succeed. Read the rest of this entry »

Just like any modern person, I’ve been through plenty of job interviews for all sorts of employment opportunities.  I’ve been overqualified and under qualified, and everywhere in between.  At the same time I’ve observed plenty of interviewing styles, and skills be them strong or weak.

One question seems to stand out.  I’ve gotten hit with it more often than not, and I find  its best to just be prepared for it.  It has been worded a thousand ways, and it’s the most important question, to ask or be asked, in any job interview:

Read the rest of this entry »

Finding a new job has become much easier in the last 10 years thanks to the growth of the Internet.  Modern technology enables the job hunter to search and submit to prospective employers with the click of a mouse.  In essence, the Internet has taken the leg work out of job hunting.

Changing times mean new rules.  Here are a few things to remember when searching for a job online: Read the rest of this entry »

First impressions are priceless.  You’ve heard it before.  Make sure you’ve got an attention grabbing professional cover letter that is concise and to-the-point.  Explain, in the letter, why you hope to be considered for the position, and give a brief rundown of your most interesting accomplishments.  Close the letter by thanking the reader for their time. Read the rest of this entry »

Once you have been invited for an interview at meal time, there are certain things expected from you. Besides table manners you will have to conduct yourself in a proper manner because you can rest assured your boss will be watching.

When it comes to ordering, let the boss order first. And order something simple and cheap for your self. For god sake do not order a meal like a lobster where you will have to use your hands to eat. A salad and/or soup are the easiest to eat and least sloppy. When it comes to drinks, just stick to water or simple beverages like tea or coffee. Do not order alcohol or wine.

When it comes to your food, just simply eat it and be quiet. Do not complain about the freshness or style of presentation. Remember this is where your boss eats and he/she may not be pleased. When asked questions, finish chewing first and do not speak with your mouth full. The interview is not to check your appetite but your behavior. Do not slurp your soup and never rest your arms on the table. When finished wipe your mouth hands and place your napkin back on the table.

There is no real magic about eating or the interview. If you use common sense and have decent table manners, the rest is easy