It is important to know your rights as an employee. Unlawful questions are not acceptable on applications, during the interview process, or in the workplace. Although improper questions by employers might be simple mistakes, they could also be intentional cases of discrimination that should be reported. Legal and illegal interview questions How you would you respond to each question? 1. How old are you? 2. What's...

You know someone who found a great job in a week. But you’ve been looking for the last six months. What’s wrong with you? Chances are, nothing. It’s entirely possible that your strategy needs help, but that’s why there is help here, and of course, not just here. Before you start comparing yourself to anyone, though, remember that the job search is affected by a thousand things that none of us can con...

The Reality of Job Search Patience, Grasshopper: If ever this phrase was more applicable, it is during executive job search. After weeks, or even months of introspection and prep to launch your newly rebranded career portfolio, it may be tempting to expect to ‘rush’ to the results finish line. Landing that first interview seems like it should be just around the corner, now. After all, you’ve been run...

You've done everything you can for the past six months to get your desired job, but have not been successful! Try some of the following tips for putting fresh life into your search. - Reassess your employment goal. Ensure you're still enthusiastic about it, and it's compatible with your purpose, interests, needs, skills and accomplishments. Continually visualize yourself working happily and productively...

People constantly ask me about what elements and tactics are absolutely necessary to execute an effective and efficient job search. At the same time, employers want to know what they need to do to recruit and retain top talent. Frankly, both employers and candidates need to up their game. They need to respect each other’s time and act with professionalism. What does this mean? For job seekers Write a cover lette...

As you might expect, not all interviewers have taken the time to parse the regulations that govern their behavior. Most of them have the obvious missteps under control, so you are unlikely to find interviewers asking direct questions about your racial identity or religious affiliation. That leaves plenty of room for job interview questions that are slightly more subtle but equally problematic. It may also be the case tha...

Throughout the news we can find reports of low unemployment and the availability of lots and lots of jobs. These statistics could lead you to believe that it is really easy to get a great job. In fact, you might believe it is so easy, you should sit back and wait until the right employer with the right opening knocks on your door. Right? No! (How do you think that is working for the people who actually believe it?) Can...

My conclusions about job search strategies come from years of experience with hiring managers, HR professionals, recruiters and from my own career changes: journalist to project manager to researcher to author to communications professional. They are conclusions drawn from years of helping applicants—at every level and in many different industries—make their way successfully through the hiring gauntlet. My fo...

People often ask me for insider scoop on what to expect in the coming year when it comes to the job market. While of course the future isn’t entirely predictable, I’ve been noticing some trends that may help you out. Expect a wildly unpredictable hiring timeline (and process). At the beginning of the process, you might apply for a job and the employer sets up an interview within days. You might be asked to...

No matter how great you are, you want to get better. Improving is key to a successful career. Learning new skills is an essential part of improvement. Want some proof? Ben Franklin was always learning and taught himself Italian, French and Latin. He didn’t stop at languages. He also learned about meteorology. And Franklin invented bifocals. What are you waiting for? James Franco was a college dropout and h...