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...

The birds are chirping. The flowers are blooming. The pollen is EVERYWHERE. You know what that means. It means it’s time to reevaluate what you’ve been doing with your job search and prune back the ineffective elements. Some things will need to be cut off completely and tossed into the career compost heap. You want to nurture the strategies and tactics that are effective and give them the most attention. Which o...

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...

Have you ever noticed that chance happenings, unplanned events, often determine your life career decisions? A cancelled appointment, a spontaneous trip, are unplanned events that may lead to unexpected life career directions. A satisfying career is attained by making the most of new, unforeseen experiences, and creating your desired course. Below are common career decision making myths. To advance your career, challen...

Can we create our own reality? Can thoughts, meditation, visualization, faith and intentions help us achieve desired career goals? Research suggests that our mind can influence our physical reality. When the body is in peak condition and the trained mind is completely focused, an individual can achieve the extraordinary. Athletes, who do mental training along with actual practice, show greater improvement than those...

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...

To succeed in our continuously changing world we must embrace new ideas and technologies, and strengthen Quester traits such as adaptability and flexibility described in Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963 Adaptability and flexibility have meanings which are broadly the same but not identical. Adaptable indicates long-term changes; flexible suggest...

If you are looking to move on to a more responsible, higher paid, or more interesting career, then your resume has to reflect your preparedness for that new role. Just as employees are told to “dress for success,” your resume must dress your past experience for your future role. Here are five important steps to take when writing or revising your resume for the job you want: Be clear about your goal. Resear...

Are you a risk taker? If you said no, think again. You may be more of a risk taker than you think. Dan works as a sales clerk to support his fledgling acting career. Before that he taught school, following 11 years as a computer programmer. You may perceive Dan to be a risk taker having left two positions which had good security and pay. But Dan doesn't see himself as a risk taker. For Dan, risk involves physical ac...