Rebecca Metschke - EzineArticles.com Expert Author

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Rebecca Metschke helps professionals seeking a competitive advantage in today's global economy. Originally a broadband and media industry marketing executive, she was tapped to join a Top 50 national search firm in 1995 as manager of its content division and was named a partner after just three years. She went on to co-found a boutique recruiting firm, Convergence Executive Search, where she specialized in media and emerging technologies. Her client portfolio included Time Warner, Bloomberg ... [More]

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Are You a Serial Resume Sender?
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] I ran into an acquaintance the other day who lost her job last February and is still pounding the pavement. In discussing her search, she estimated she's sent a few thousand resumes-to-date - yet she's had just two serious interviews. With a smile, she referred to herself as a "serial resume sender." That moniker has been kicked around a bit this recession.

But I Hate Networking!
[Business:Networking] Networking. The very word conjures up all sorts of negative connotations for some people. To them, networking is kind of like an unpleasant medical procedure...you know you've got to do it - it's for your own good - but that doesn't make it any less loathsome. Here's a secret, though. There's a lot more to "networking" than cocktail receptions or business mixers.

Why Are Hiring Managers Being So Picky?
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] Frustrated because it seems like hiring companies are looking for ideal candidates these days? It's a buyers' market - but sitting around and waiting for the cycle to change probably isn't an option.

Career Forecast - What Will You Be Doing in Five Years?
[Business:Careers-Employment] Do you have a good idea where you intend to be five years from now? What will your job look like... who will you be working for... how are you going to get there? If you haven't given this any thought, or if your answer is that things will look pretty much the same as they do today - then I'd suggest you give this further consideration.

Last Impressions and What They Mean to Your Career
[Business:Careers-Employment] Everyone knows how important a good first impression is - especially when it comes to your career. There's another situation that's just as significant, though it's often overlooked by candidates. It's the bookend - the last impression.

Career Opportunities - Could There Be an Upside to Downsizing?
[Business:Careers-Employment] If your company has gone through a work force reduction and you're one of those whose job was spared, there are days you might not feel all that fortunate. Time to shift your perspective. Downsizing can create all sorts of opportunities - if you're willing to seek them out and take advantage of them.

Want to Dramatically Improve Your Chances of Job Search Success?
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] Then remember one important thing: it's not all about you. As you're composing your resume, writing your cover letter, and later when you're prepping for the interview - put yourself in the hiring manager's shoes and look at your candidacy through that person's eyes.

If You Want to Ace the Interview, Keep Your Eye on the Ball
[Business:Careers-Employment] Avoid the mistake common to many and you'll have a much better chance of succeeding. Don't allow yourself to get distracted while you're interviewing. Your ultimate goal, of course, is to win the offer. If you're successful, you'll have three options: accept, negotiate, or decline. Without the offer, you have no options.

Why Should the Hiring Manager Believe in You If You Don't Believe in Yourself?
[Business:Careers-Employment] Negative thoughts have a way of turning into self-fulfilling prophecies. Your own worst competition is often what's going on in your head. If you don't believe in yourself, it's going to show. And that's a problem.

Hope is Good - But It's Not an Effective Job Search Strategy
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] There are a lot of unemployed folks out there who have been out of work for quite a while. Many of them have given up and are no longer looking. They're the "discouraged workers" you hear about...the ones the government doesn't even include in its official tally each month.

Available to Interview? Think Hard Before You Say 'No'
[Business:Careers-Employment] Sometimes a company will request that you come in for an interview at an unusual time or day of the week. Do everything you can to make yourself available when they want to see you. Be flexible...it could make all the difference.

Is Your Candidacy a Long Shot? You Can Still Win - Don't Give Up
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] Sometimes, in spite of diligent preparation, it feels like the deck is stacked against you. Whatever the reason, there are times when your chances of making it through to the next step in the hiring process appear to be slim at best. Should you throw in the towel? I don't think so. Just because the odds are long doesn't mean you can't win.

One Proficiency Every Employee Must Have
[Business:Careers-Employment] The times they are a-changin' - that line applies to the job market, too. You can count on one thing for sure: the market is dynamic. Unfortunately, a lot of workers still act as though it's a static world out there. Complacency isn't going to cut it. Neither is putting your head in the sand a winning strategy. A dynamic economy requires a vigorous response.

When Good Enough Isn't Good Enough - Is Your Cover Letter Going to Hurt You Or Help You?
[Business:Resumes-Cover-Letters] A poorly written cover will almost always assure that your resume will never be read. Is that what you want? Or are you seriously interested in the opportunity?

Career Anxiety - What Happens When Things Don't Go As Planned?
[Business:Careers-Employment] I was talking with a doctor friend the other day who said, "You know, this isn't where I expected to be at this point. I lost half of my portfolio - that was my kids' college fund. I didn't think I'd have to be working this hard at this age."

If You're a Virtual Employee, Are You Doomed?
[Business:Careers-Employment] Your company is struggling through the downturn; it's pretty obvious that they're going to have to trim more staff in the very near future. As a virtual employee, are you more vulnerable?

Is Your Specialized Skill Set an Asset - Or Will it Hurt You?
[Business:Careers-Employment] If you're a person with highly specialized skills, you know this can be a very good thing - it can give you a real edge. There are two sides to the coin, though; uncommon expertise can also be a negative.

Looking For Work - It's Hard Work!
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] Job searches aren't cake walks. Especially when the economy is rocky, finding a good opportunity requires skill, creativity, tenacity, perseverance - and hard work. Results aren't going to come overnight.

Is Your Job Going to Go Up in Flames Because of Your Attitude?
[Business:Career-Advice] Everyone is sick of salary freezes, suspended 401(k) contributions, wage cuts, and worries about job security. Maybe you've been on the receiving end of some sort of freeze or benefit cut lately. You're not too happy about it. That's understandable. Who would be? How you choose to respond, though - that's the key.

Mental Toughness - The Best Athletes Have It - If You're Interviewing, So Should You
[Business:Careers-Employment] Pressure. How do you deal with it? When something unexpected happens during a day full of interviews, do you allow it to kill your focus and undermine your self-confidence...or do you have the stuff necessary to get yourself out of a jam? Mental toughness - it's not just for athletes.

Searching For a Job - You're in Sales Now
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] Meet Sam, a highly successful sales executive. He consistently meets or exceeds budget in an extremely competitive space. His company loves him.

Are You Relevant? Retooling Your Career For the Future
[Business:Career-Advice] How marketable are you right now? What will you need to do to make sure you're still relevant five years from now? If you don't keep up with the pace of change, you will always be vulnerable.

Why So Many Job Searches Generate So Few Results
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] If you want to succeed, you need to search smart. Just because you're investing a lot of time looking for work doesn't mean you're automatically going to be successful.

Is Your Resume Getting You an Invitation to Interview - Or Ending Up in the Circular File?
[Business:Resumes-Cover-Letters] With so much at stake, why do so many candidates continue to submit resumes that don't get more than a passing glance? Why do so many resumes fail?

How to Get the Hiring Manager to Buy What You're Selling
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] Want to propel your job search forward? Then shift your perspective and remember this: it's not all about you. Look at your candidacy through the eyes of the hiring company. Consider yourself from their point of view. Because most candidates fail to do this, you'll give yourself an immediate advantage.

Seven Common Resume Mistakes - If They're So Obvious, Why Do Job Seekers Keep Making Them?
[Business:Resumes-Cover-Letters] Obvious things often....aren't. Take resume mistakes. Some are painfully apparent to the hiring manager who sees them all day long, yet job seekers make the same errors over and over again. Whatever the reason, nuts and bolts resume mistakes are remarkably widespread - and almost always lethal. They can stop your candidacy dead in its tracks.

Does Your Resume Have What it Takes to Get a Serious Read?
[Business:Resumes-Cover-Letters] You invest a lot of time and effort creating a resume you think is going to score you an interview. After all that sweat equity, it's probably a little deflating to realize that all you're going to get from the hiring manager is a quick scan when he first picks it up to have a look. 10 seconds and either you're in...or out.

3 Things You Should Bring to Every Interview
[Business:Careers-Employment] Your resume? A list of questions? Samples of your work? Those might have immediately jumped into your mind; and they're very important. But I'm fairly certain you'll remember to bring them. Instead, the three things I'm reminding you to bring are items job seekers often leave behind. Unfortunately, doing so can sink the interview and cost you the job.

Is Your Job Search Getting You Absolutely Nowhere?
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] Especially if you've been out of work for a while, it can become increasingly frustrating if you're not getting the kind of results you want from your job search. It begins to feel futile...like all the cards are stacked against you. Worse, one glance at the unemployment rate as it continues it's monthly climb and you know things are just going to get more competitive. It's going to get a lot worse before it gets better. How can you possibly turn your situation around?

5 Common Resume Mistakes - Are You Making Them?
[Business:Resumes-Cover-Letters] I don't have to tell you how tough the employment situation is. Hanging on to a job in this economy is hard enough...finding a new one is exponentially more difficult. And here's the kicker: you ain't seen nothin' yet. Bottom line...now more than ever, your resume needs to work hard for you. If you're going to have any shot at an interview, you cannot afford to make any mistakes with it. There are no second chances.

If Your Resume is Everywhere, Why Isn't the Phone Ringing?
[Business:Resumes-Cover-Letters] Trying to find a job - especially in this economy - is hard work. You may be investing countless hours scouring electronic job boards, company websites and recruiter sites looking for available positions. You may have submitted your materials literally hundreds of times. And why not? It's a numbers game, right? Press "click" often enough and eventually something's going to fall into place. Generally, though, that's not what happens. Hundreds of resumes go out and all that comes back in return is...silence.

Your Job Search - Avoid the Dreaded Mandatory Point Deduction
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] If you've ever watched Olympic sports like gymnastics or diving or figure skating, you've heard some announcer or another talk about point deductions. Errors like a step on landing (gymnastics), splash upon entry (diving) or under-rotating a jump (skating) result in deductions from the overall score. Serious mistakes can result in mandatory deductions of a high value...like a figure skater who misses a jump and falls.

When it Comes to Your Resume, Are You Your Own Best Editor?
[Business:Resumes-Cover-Letters] Getting your resume in front of a second pair of eyes for review and comment is an exercise that will be well worth your time. Even if you're a capable writer, you're still almost always best served having someone else evaluate this critical document.

About That Job Interview - Does it Resemble an Evening at the Improv?
[Business:Careers-Employment] In the right context, good improvisation is amazing. The ability to skillfully create "in the moment" is crucial to comedians and musicians alike.There's such a thing as poor improvisation, too, of course. When it comes to your job interview, sloppy spontaneity isn't exactly a winning strategy. If you think you can waltz into one of these conversations without having thoroughly prepped for it and still hit a home run, you are sorely mistaken.

Career Success in the New Economy - Get Into Anticipation Mode
[Business:Careers-Employment] Ask print journalists how they're feeling about the viability of newspapers these days and I'm sure you'll get some interesting answers. Change isn't just on the horizon, it's here and slamming into some venerable newspapers and other publications with a vengeance. Some papers that were proactive from the get-go regarding their response to the changing landscape created by the Internet are actually doing quite well. Unfortunately, far more are paying the price for avoiding or ignoring the inevitable - or not recognizing early on how significantly "the times they are a-changin'." So it goes with your career.

Be a Contrarian - It Could Save Your Job
[Business:Career-Advice] During this recession, many employees are doing their best to lay low and, in a sense, stay out of sight. They figure if they keep their heads down and avoid bringing any attention to themselves, they're more likely to avoid a layoff. It doesn't work that way, though; hiding is actually one of the worst things you can do. Since escalating job losses are going to be dogging us well into next year, how about a better strategy...one that might help you hang on to your job?

This Interview is Just a Formality
[Business:Careers-Employment] Assumptions can be dangerous, especially during your job search. You can assume your way right out of contention. A classic (and common) mistake is assuming that the interview is simply a formality...essentially an insignificant pre-requisite. Au, contraire! There's no such thing as a meaningless interview.

Treat Every Day on the Job As If It's Your Last
[Business:Career-Advice] If you're tuned in, it's unlikely that you'll be "totally blindsided" by a layoff. And if it does happen that you're surprised in spite of your efforts to pay attention, take the steps outlined here and you'll be prepared nonetheless.

Interview Slipping Away? Have the Courage to Throw the Hail Mary Pass
[Business:Careers-Employment] You're nearing the end of the interview. You've done a competent job, but you can feel in your gut that you didn't hit the ball out of the park. The interviewer is friendly - even complimentary - but at the same time, there's a sense that she's dismissing you from consideration. What to do?

Are You Hindering Your Job Search by Labeling Yourself?
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] What do you do? 99% of the time, people answer that question by labeling themselves. Yet a bland, uninteresting "I am a label" response is a conversation killer. Problem is, especially when you're looking for work and every interaction is a potential networking connection, killing the conversation is the last thing you want to do. You need to engage the other person, not tune them out.

What Do Chase, CitiGroup and Bank of America Have to Do With Your Your Job Search?
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] Once upon a time, credit card issuers typically only trimmed credit lines on customers whose behavior suggested they might become a credit risk. For example, late payments, going over an existing credit line, bad credit - those types of things might have triggered the bank to lower the amount of money they were willing to lend. No more. It seems pretty much everyone is in the crosshairs of the banks. What does this have to do with your job search? Plenty.

5 Reasons the Hiring Process Gets Bogged Down
[Business:Careers-Employment] You interviewed, you think things went well, and you're pretty excited about the opportunity. Now for the hard part. You have to be patient. You have to wait...

Career Realities - About That Empty Suit in the Office Next to You
[Business:Career-Advice] I feel your pain. I've worked with a few of them myself. Empty suits can be found in companies all across America. You probably wonder why, when it is so obvious to you that the emperor is wearing no clothes, so to speak, a person like this often achieves an extraordinary measure of success.

Where's Your Resume?
[Business:Resumes-Cover-Letters] That's right. Where is it? Where do you keep it? Please don't tell me it's at work. Your work computer may feel like it's "your" computer, but it's not. It belongs to your employer. And in most cases, so does everything on it. If you lose your job, there's a chance you'll lose access to that machine instantly. Don't assume you'll be able to retrieve files to take with you - like that resume you've got stored on the hard drive.

How That Great Big Party Line We Call Social Networking Can Kill Your Candidacy
[Business:Careers-Employment] Unless you live in a rural area, you probably have no experience with party lines. In pre-World War II United States, though, it was commonplace; residential telephone service was primarily shared. Everybody understood party lines - and its implications. Fast forward to today. Social networking, in a sense, is the new party line. There's a big difference, though. Not only are people aware that others can see what they're writing, they welcome it. That's all well and good - except some are a little too free with the keyboard.

5 Things That Can Sink a Resume
[Business:Resumes-Cover-Letters] Is your resume delivering results, or has there been a deafening silence in response to your submissions? If you're not getting the kind of outcome you want, it might be time for a review to see if you're making any of these mistakes.

The Job Search - Are You Coming Across As Enthusiastic Or Desperate?
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] Times are tough. A month or two of unemployment can drag on to six or eight months pretty easily. And it's only going to get worse since the jobs picture lags the state of the economy. If you're out of work, you may be getting anxious. Your unemployment may be running out, you're wondering about health insurance - and with each passing day, the pool of competitors continues to grow. Your anxiety is understandable. Be careful, though. You could be sending the wrong message to recruiters and potential employers alike.

Interview Regrets - The Great Reply That Comes Too Late
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] "I wish I would have said...." We've all had that moment (or, as the case may be, those moments). Whether 5 minutes later or the following day, the amazing comeback or witty response pops into your head after the fact. Too little, too late. Obviously, lapses like this aren't limited to everyday conversations; they happen during interviews, too.

Networking With a Purpose
[Business:Networking] There's a very good chance your network is going to lead you to your next job. You'll get a better net return on an hour spent networking than an hour spent scouring job boards online. Knowing how important those connections can be, some people turn themselves into networking machines. They go to networking breakfasts, networking social events, networking receptions, networking roundtables, and networking workshops. They sign up for everything and show up at everything. Yet all too often, they fail to find work. And they wonder why.

You, the Candidate - Bargain Basement - Or Top Quality?
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] As this recession wears on, you might be willing to consider taking a cut in pay in order to secure a job. That's fine. In fact, depending on the situation, it may be a very good move. But be careful how you go about it. This is a situation where quality trumps price. The company wants to hire a quality candidate...they're not looking for the "bargain basement" option. Don't make the mistake of being so anxious to try to get the offer that the strongest, most compelling message you send is "I'll work for peanuts."

Want to Start Your Job Interview Badly?
[Business:Careers-Employment] Are you coming across as desperate - and annoying - before you even meet the person who's going to interview you? Avoid this common mistake...don't kill the interview before it starts.

Cover Letters and Thank You Notes - Time Wasters Or Useful Tools?
[Business:Resumes-Cover-Letters] Do you submit a cover because it's considered "good form?" Or because it's a necessarily evil...just one more chore on the job hunting to-do list? Do you send a thank you note because it's the polite thing to do? Is it a ridiculous relic of a simpler time that ought to be retired? Newsflash...cover letters and thank you notes are important sales tools. How successfully you execute each one may be the difference between getting the offer and coming up empty handed.

Your Resume Should Say, "Read Me, Read Me!" - Does It?
[Business:Resumes-Cover-Letters] Yours could be one of hundreds of resumes - representing hundreds of candidates competing for a single job. What are you doing to make sure it gets read?

Employment Snapshot - Good News For Workers Over 45!
[Business:Careers-Employment] I thought that might get your attention. There actually is some good news - the unemployment rate for workers age 45 and older is lower than that of the general population. Experience does count for something. However...you just knew there was a flip side coming, didn't you?...if you're over 45 and lose your job, watch out. Once you've been laid off, all bets are off.

Finding a New Job - In This Recession, Relocation Isn't the Ticket
[Business:Careers-Employment] While you may not have been jumping up and down at the prospect of moving to find a job, the fact it was an option - that you could get yourself back on your feet more quickly if you were willing to pack up and move - was important. And the fact that this alternative has largely dried up is a big deal.

How to Send Your Resume Straight to the Reject Pile
[Business:Resumes-Cover-Letters] Copy this simple blunder if you want to be sure to route your resume directly to the circular file. Guaranteed to perform!

Over 50 and Out of Work (Psst - Over-40's Should Read This, Too)
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] Is there such a thing as age bias? Yeah, there's age bias. So if you're over 50 (or 40, for that matter), you need to know how to get your resume past that initial gatekeeper if you're going to have a shot at an interview.

Your Job Search - If You Don't Want to Win, You Won't
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] A significant percentage of job seekers are unwilling to dig in and work to make things happen. They're unwilling (or unable) to get creative and figure out what they can do to improve their odds. If it doesn't come easily, they're lost. You, on the other hand, can give yourself a significant advantage by thinking like a winner. You'll come out ahead every time.

Interview Thank You Letters - Who Needs 'Em?
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] Think interview thank you notes are some sort of relic? They're not. Whether or not you write one - a good one - can make the difference between whether or not you get the job.

The Job Search - Will Digital Communication Be Your Undoing?
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] Sometimes we're lucky and those stupidly or harshly or inaccurately spoken words fade from memory. Unfortunately, though, our electronic communications don't disappear in the same way. And this can be a real problem. If you think employers aren't checking people out online, think again.

Filling the Job - It Ain't Over 'til It's Over
[Business:Careers-Employment] Deals blow up for all kinds of reasons. Very often, the top ranked finalist doesn't end up in the position. So if you find out you're the runner up, take heart. It ain't over 'til it's over - you may still end up with the job.

Why the Empty Suit Got the Job - And You Didn't
[Business:Careers-Employment] Ah, the empty suit. We all know at least one. Many of you are working with one right now. Why do they get the promotion - or the job offer - leaving more qualified people (like you) behind in the dust?

Finding a Job in a New Industry - Impossible Task?
[Business:Careers-Employment] It's no easy task to transition to another industry. Most people won't even attempt it. Especially in a down economy, though, if you don't figure out how to make the leap, you may not find a job.

More Than 100 Job Applications - But Not a Single Call
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] Does this describe your situation? Have you submitted your resume hundreds of times with little or nothing to show for it? Find out where you may be making a mistake...and what you can do to dramatically turn things around.

Why Some Job Seekers Get Interviews - And Others Wait by the Phone
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] When it comes to interviews, some people get a lot of activity...more than most. And it has nothing to do with luck. Probably the most significant factor when it comes to whether or not a person's candidacy is going to go anywhere is the "inside connection."

Job Review Coming Up? Now More Than Ever, You Need to Ace It
[Business:Careers-Employment] Especially with the economy in recession, it goes without saying you need to firm up your position with your employer. If your performance review is coming up within the next quarter, start now to prepare. You might think the ball is entirely your manager's court when it comes to the appraisal, but that's not the case. In some ways, the review is a lot like the job interview.

The Interview Upset - Bring Your "A" Game
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] You'd probably be shocked if you knew how often hiring managers are unenthusiastic or a little apathetic about the people they're about to interview. For all sorts of reasons. Welcome to the hiring process. But I have one word for you to consider...UPSET. Yes, the hiring manager may be walking into the interview with you thinking she's probably going to extend the offer to someone else. Change her mind.

Standing Out Amidst the Job Candidate Sea of Mediocrity
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] There's a sea of competition out there, yes. It's getting larger every month. But a lot of those candidates are, frankly, mediocre. That's good news - and it should put a spring in your step. Because you don't have to be one of those people.

The Successful Job Search - Separate Yourself From the Competition
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] Why does one resume get selected when 15 others are tossed aside? Why does one person get the job offer when the other finalists are passed over? Differentiation is key. You've got to know how to separate yourself from the competition. You must understand specifically what makes you unique and how to convey that message to the hiring manager.

First Impressions and the Job Search
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] We all know first impressions are pretty important. Fairly or not, we all pretty much make up our minds about people within the first few minutes after we've met them. It's no different when you're searching for work. How successful you'll be as a candidate has everything to do with first impressions.

Packing a Punch With Your Resume
[Business:Resumes-Cover-Letters] Is your resume doing its job? If you can't answer yes confidently, maybe it's time to think about adjustments you can make, especially to the top half of the first page. There are no second chances - especially in this tight market. You've got one shot with the reader; make it count.

Keep Your Job Search to Yourself
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] Secrets have a way of getting out into the open. Even if the person sitting next to you is someone you trust implicitly, he may let you down with an innocent slip of the tongue.

Is Your Job Search Stalled?
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] It's never a good thing when your job search stalls. Especially as the economy continues to weaken, each passing day just means you're facing more competition for fewer opportunities. Fortunately, if your search isn't going anywhere at the moment, there's something you can do about it.

Interview Performance - Avoiding the Dreaded Choke
[Business:Careers-Employment] An inability to cope with pressure can mean the difference between winning and losing on the golf course, the basketball court, the tennis court...you name it. It can keep you from winning during the job interview, too. The dreaded job interview choke. Want to reduce the likelihood that it'll happen to you?

Job Search Time Management
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] Want to know how to instantly get more out of the hours you devote to your job search? Spend less time clicking and more time shaking hands.

Your Resume - Say No to the Objective Statement
[Business:Resumes-Cover-Letters] When you wrote your first professional resume, you may have opened with an objective statement. Many updates later, you're still using the same basic design - and still leading with an objective. It's time to kiss it goodbye.

Expanding Your Job Search to a Different Industry
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] The deepening recession may have you thinking about the possibility of attempting a move to a complimentary field - or another industry altogether - with more favorable growth potential. However, the prospect of such a transition can seem daunting. Here's what you can do to improve the odds.

Evaluating Your Resume Through Unbiased Eyes
[Business:Resumes-Cover-Letters] Can you step back, assume the role of a neutral and impartial observer, and accurately assess the fruits of your labor? It's not easy. Remember, though - the hiring manager isn't going to have any such difficulty.

Looking For Work? Don't Be Shy
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] If you're seeking employment, now's not the time to be a wallflower. People can't help you if they don't know about your situation.

What Will it Take? Is Someone Going to Read Your Resume?
[Business:Resumes-Cover-Letters] You've got one chance to convince the hiring manager to pay attention to you...to actually read your resume. Do you know how to create a document that commands attention?

Layoff Pitfalls - Burn the Bridge at Your Peril
[Business:Careers-Employment] No matter how your situation was handled, or how resentful you feel because you lost your job and the guy in the cube next to you didn't, or how frustrated you feel about your job prospects - it's crucial that you be remembered as a class act. Your future depends on it.

Employment Outlook Got You Seasick? Focus on the Horizon
[Business:Careers-Employment] Today we borrow sage advice from the world of sailing. If you've ever been out on a sailboat and gotten to feeling a little bit queasy, you know you can often get the sensation to pass by focusing your eyes on the horizon. Not a bad parallel - the current employment situation is nothing but rough seas ahead.

Landing the Job - It's NOT All About You
[Business:Career-Advice] It may seem counterintuitive, but it really isn't all about you - even though you're the one looking for work and trying to land the offer. If you can keep that perspective front-of-mind throughout your search, you will exponentially increase your likelihood of success. It's not at all difficult, but many candidates miss opportunities by not adjusting their thinking.

Networking - Are You Memorable or Nondescript?
[Business:Networking] How many times have you walked away from a networking event with a stack of business cards in hand, most of which end up tossed in your desk drawer never to be looked at again? Now think about the other people at those same events you've attended. When they get back to their offices, each with a handful of cards.....is yours apt to end up in that "business card black hole" collecting dust in their desks?

The Panel Interview - How to Survive, and Succeed
[Business:Career-Advice] Panel interviews can be quite challenging, intimidating, and stressful. In fact, this is generally their purpose. They're designed to see how well you deal with a high-pressure situation while facing multiple interviewers. Add to that the inevitable agendas of at least some of the interviewers, and you've got waters that could be difficult to navigate.

10 Things You Can Do to Screw Up the Job Interview
[Business:Career-Advice] This tongue-in-cheek article reviews some common mistakes many interviewers make. The market is tight, and it's only going to be more competitive. Do yourself a favor and avoid derailing your candidacy with this type of self-inflicted damage.

How Effective is Your Executive Bio?
[Business:Career-Advice] Your bio is a branding piece - an advertisement - for and about you. Unfortunately, though, it's not easy to write. Want proof? Think about all the bland, boring bios of other people you've read over the years. Resumes are difficult to write - but bios are even harder.

Dislike Interviews? - The Person Interviewing You May Share Your Feelings
[Business:Careers-Employment] Interviews are hard work. If you're going to have any success, you've got to devote the time to thorough preparation and be on your game throughout the conversation. Since most of us only interview every few years or so, though, it may be something you feel a little uncomfortable with. It might be hard to shake the feeling that you're a little rusty - that you never have a chance to get into a groove.

10 Things You Can Do to Make Sure Your Resume is a Bust
[Business:Resumes-Cover-Letters] Want to make sure your resume gets passed over? Keep in mind these pointers as you're reviewing it. Unless the hiring manager is exceptionally bored and has nothing better to do when she gets to yours, you'll have a good chance of succeeding!

The Power of Your Unique Selling Proposition - Show the Hiring Manager What Sets You Apart
[Business:Careers-Employment] Why should a company hire you? How are you different from, and more valuable than, the competition? You'll gain an advantage if you think of yourself as a product and your search as a marketing campaign designed to move that product.

Career Management - Mind Your Personal Brand
[Business:Career-Advice] One aspect of career management has much in common with the concepts of basic branding and advertising. You need to find a way to distinguish yourself from the rest of the pack, and then figure out how to manage the way you're perceived.

Resume Fraud in a Tough Job Market - Is Everybody Doing It?
[Business:Resumes-Cover-Letters] Given the tight job market, candidates are facing more scrutiny than before; because hiring managers are seeing more resume fraud, they're being more cautious. If you're caught in a lie, not only will you lose this opportunity, you'll be back pounding the pavement in a market that's slowing down more every day. Is it worth taking that chance?

Job Security - Can You Trust Your Intuition?
[Business:Careers-Employment] If you've made it a point from day one on the job to dial in to what's happening at your company, with your direct competitors specifically, and within your industry in aggregate, then you probably can. And if your gut is telling you something's going on...that something's not right...you should pay attention.

It's a Lousy Job Market - What Are You Going to Do About It?
[Business:Careers-Employment] Unemployment numbers will continue to head in the wrong direction this year. (Up.) 2010 isn't going to be a walk in the park, either. So here's the question - knowing that, what are you going to do about it?

Your Resume - Transforming Lifeless Paper Into a Dynamic Candidate
[Business:Resumes-Cover-Letters] Have you ever wondered what hiring managers see when they look at your resume? Is it just another sheet or two of paper (one of thousands)? Or do the words come alive and draw the reader in? Especially in a tight job market, you must create a winning resume. Do you know how to do it?

Has Your Job Search Knocked the Confidence Out of You?
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] Searching for a job can be challenging, even in the best of times. Obviously, this isn't the best of times - meaning if you're unemployed and looking for work, the process may be dragging on. After months of searching without securing an offer, a sense of pessimism can creep into your thinking. You can start to lose confidence. How can you combat creeping feelings of discouragement?

Interview Post Mortem - The Company Didn't Try Hard Enough to Sell Me
[Business:Careers-Employment] Jesse just finished an interview with a company he's pretty interested in. This was a telephone conversation with the hiring manager (not someone in HR) - and unlike many phone screens, it was fairly lengthy at 60 minutes. All good. The problem is...Jesse is feeling a little lukewarm about it. He doesn't think the interviewer tried hard enough to win him over.

8 Job Search Myths - Busted
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] The best qualified individual gets the job. Actually, it's the best candidate who gets the job. That person may or may not be the best qualified. Understand the difference.

Successful Networking - Give and Take
[Business:Networking] The smart person pays attention to her professional contacts on an ongoing basis. Whether the economy is soaring or in recession, whether she's progressing quickly up the ladder or facing a temporary setback, whether she's just starting her professional career or has been in the workforce for years - she's mindful of her network and intent on adding to it.

Career Management - Mistakes You Can't Afford to Make
[Business:Careers-Employment] The time to get serious about your career is not when you realize you're about to lose your job. Especially in a tight job market, there are certain mistakes you don't want to make.

Interview Preparation - Looking Versus Seeing
[Business:Careers-Employment] A lot of people look at the world around them, but don't really see it. We all know there's a big difference between careful observation and a passing glance. When preparing for an interview, be thorough when it comes to your appearance. Take a close look at your reflection in the mirror. This is not the time for a superficial "once over." You should be meticulous about the presentation. Make a mistake here, and you could regret it.

Your Resume - Stunning Portrait Or Grainy Snapshot?
[Business:Resumes-Cover-Letters] Your headshot for use on the corporate website or in company sales materials is important. It's the image you want to convey to the outside world. Think of your resume in the same way. Does it represent the person you'd want to hire? Is it a stunning portrait...or a grainy snapshot?

Your Job Search - Be Willing to Give a Little - It Can Pay Dividends
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] There's no denying the fact that the recession makes it more difficult to find work. Still, there are plenty of candidates who are their own worst enemy. They let inflexibility kill their chances of finding work. It's a seller's market - not only are you going to have to put more effort into your search, you're going to need to give a little bit if you want to find those jobs....and get an offer.

Your Job Search - Give Up - Or Toughen Up?
[Business:Careers-Employment] The unemployment rate keeps rising with significant layoffs projected for 2009. Consumer confidence is in the tank. Retail sales numbers this holiday season were terrible. Ominous news seems to be everywhere. So....is throwing in the towel your only option?

Networking - Who You Don't Know
[Business:Networking] The smart job seeker is always working to increase his or her network. And the smartest job seekers? They're looking to accomplish that goal just a little bit differently from the way the majority of the crowd seeks to do so. They're thinking in terms of people they don't know.

Hanging onto Your Job
[Business:Careers-Employment] Hold on to your horses....2009 is going to be a rough ride. The unemployment rate will continue to climb; most projections place the national average in the neighborhood of 9 - 10% by the fourth quarter. By no means does this mean you're destined for a pink slip. But you may need to get more proactive about protecting yourself. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to improve your chances of holding on to your job.

Your Resume - What Kind of First Impression Does it Make?
[Business:Resumes-Cover-Letters] Within the first few seconds of meeting someone, that person has formed an impression of you. Fair or not, accurate or not, they've made a judgment...and once they've done so, it's very difficult to change their view of who you are. What kind of "first impression" does your resume make?

Redefining Job Security
[Business:Careers-Employment] We all know there's really no such thing as job security in the traditional sense. There are no guarantees when it comes to employment. Adjust your thinking, though, and try looking at "job security" as something that's in your hands...not the hands of your employer.

Job Search Resolution #5 - Make Your Own Breaks
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] Opportunity is more likely to come knocking for those who have cleared a path and made it a little bit easier for it to find their front doors. You've got to make your own breaks. Nobody else is going to do it for you. The good news? You have the tools at your fingertips.

Job Search Resolution #4 - Don't Get Complacent
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] Change can happen at any time. It can be abrupt. Especially if you're unprepared, it can come when you least expect it. The economic downturn is a reminder that there are perils associated with career complacency. Don't take anything for granted. Always have a plan. Know what your next move is going to be, and always be working toward it.

Job Search Resolution #3 - Always Be Available to Interview
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] Far too many job seekers shoot themselves in the foot by not making themselves available to interview when it's convenient for the hiring manager. Be a contrarian. Unlike your competition, do whatever you can to be available when the prospective employer wants to talk to you.

Job Search Resolution #2 - Get Beyond Electronic Networking
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] Just as you shouldn't become overly-reliant on electronic job boards to conduct your search, neither should you lean too heavily on electronic contact as the primary means of connecting with your network. Email is a great tool, but personal contact via telephone - or better yet, face to face - can't be beat. You'll get more mileage out of a conversation than you ever will from electronic correspondence.

Job Search Resolutions - Get to the Right Person
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] Since it's "that time of year," let's get into the spirit and consider a few "job search resolutions" in this series. If you want to give yourself an advantage over other job seekers, resolve to do a little more homework. Get the name of the hiring manager - it's a critical piece of information.

Holiday Interviewing - Contradiction in Terms?
[Business:Careers-Employment] Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus...and sometimes he's more than willing to get out of the workshop and away from the elves to deliver interviews to job seekers between the middle of December and the end of the year. Be a contrarian. Be available to interview between now and December 31st. You'll give yourself an instant advantage over all those who essentially stop looking for work this time of year.

Holiday Gatherings - Job Leads From Unlikely Sources
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] Looking for work? If you're one of the many who will be spending time with extended family or enjoying the company of friends over the next week or so, remember these occasions can be great opportunities to network.

Preemptive Job Layoffs - What Does That Mean For You?
[Business:Careers-Employment] If you had any doubts about the predictions that this would be a long, deep recession, another sign suggests that eventuality: accelerated, preemptive layoffs. Some companies are beginning to eliminate jobs as a preventive measure in anticipation of a lengthy downturn.

Get the Job - Understanding What Motivates the Hiring Manager
[Business:Careers-Employment] Think of the job interview as the ultimate sales call. What's one of the keys to closing the deal? Understanding what motivates the prospect. Do you know what your prospect - in this case, the hiring manager - wants to buy?

How Your Credit Report Can Impact Your Job Prospects
[Business:Careers-Employment] With the economy in recession, it can be tempting to try to shuffle your timing a bit when it comes to paying the bills. Maybe you decide to let a payment or two slide. Watch out. Do whatever you can to avoid late payments; they can negatively impact your chances of getting a job.

Your Career - Is it Possible to Thrive in Spite of a Poor Economy?
[Business:Careers-Employment] There's always growth if you know where to look for it. Sometimes the biggest opportunities arise when things on the surface appear fairly bleak. If your strategy is to put your head down and wait until this passes, prepare for a long wait. Instead, maybe it's time to figure out how to capitalize in spite of - or maybe because of - the economy.

Interviewing Smart - Hedge Your Bets
[Business:Careers-Employment] You just finished a grueling day of on site interviews - not only did you talk with the person you'd be reporting to, but you met with every member of the senior management team. You got a great vibe which was underscored by positive feedback from the recruiter.

Job Opportunities in an Unstable Market - Should You Sit Tight Or Consider Making a Change?
[Business:Careers-Employment] Last one hired, first one fired? Given the volatile market, is it just too risky to consider changing jobs right now? Not necessarily. But you do need to be careful. Follow these tips to help protect yourself.

Your Career - This Wobbly Economy and the Silver Lining
[Business:Careers-Employment] Goldman Sachs predicts in a report out this week that unemployment will reach 9% a year from now and I'm talking about silver linings? Actually, yes. Workers are being forcibly reminded that change is inevitable. If you're ready for change, you can capitalize on it.

Worried About Your Job? Be Careful When Networking
[Business:Careers-Employment] If you're concerned about potential work force reductions, of course you should be reaching out to your network. That said, be careful what you say. Remember, you're still employed; the last thing you want to do is put your job in further jeopardy.

Career Strategies - Don't Hide If You Want to Save Your Job
[Business:Careers-Employment] Your company is struggling; already some people have been let go. You're waiting for the other shoe to drop. Don't make the same mistake so many employees make when they think their jobs may be at risk. Do not hide.

Career Roadblocks - A Minor Drug Conviction Can Cost You the Job
[Business:Careers-Employment] Even the most seemingly trivial drug offense can stick with you for years - sometimes permanently - and cost you dearly in terms of lost opportunity. That said, if you've got a minor offense dogging you, there may be something you can do about it.

Resume Blunders - Tell the Truth About Your Degrees
[Business:Resumes-Cover-Letters] You're a few credits shy of your MBA, and you're tempted to go ahead and list the degree as having been conferred on your resume. After all, the company you're interested in says they won't even interview anyone without an MBA; if you don't tell this white lie, it'll take a miracle to even get your foot in the door.

Help! My Resume Isn't Generating Responses - Part II
[Business:Resumes-Cover-Letters] If you're getting a tepid response at best from your resume, it could be because you're not casting a broad enough net. Find out what you can do to make your resume deliver for you.

Ace the Interview - What Do Hiring Managers See When They Look at You?
[Business:Careers-Employment] When you're interviewing for a job, what kind of image do you project? Do you look the part? Do you have what it takes to get the other person to take notice and listen to what you have to say?

Leadership - Smile and the World Smiles With You
[Business:Management] Never underestimate the power of your smile. It can dramatically impact how you're perceived, and it can have an effect on how (and even if) your message is received.

Help! My Resume Isn't Generating Responses - Part I
[Business:Resumes-Cover-Letters] If you want to increase your resume response rate, you need to take action. Find out what you can do to keep your candidacy moving forward.

Out of Work, But Too Young to Retire
[Business:Careers-Employment] You're 50 years old or older. Your job was recently eliminated. The economy is stagnant. You can't afford to retire.

Salary History - Why Do They Ask?
[Business:Careers-Employment] How much do you earn? It's the dreaded compensation question. What are hiring companies going to do with that information - and how should you answer?

Your Job Search - How Easy is it For Someone to Hire You?
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] Many candidates make it simple for hiring managers to exclude them from consideration. Worse yet, this often occurs at the initial stages of the process. Learn how to avoid mistakes that could derail your candidacy early on.

Networking - How to Capture Attention and Make an Impression
[Business:Networking] You're at a mixer or some other type of business function. Your goal is to meet as many people as possible. You've got your business cards ready, your "elevator speech" is polished, and you're all set! How effective will you be?

Your Boss is Not Clairvoyant!
[Business:Careers-Employment] Sounds like a pretty obvious statement, right? Yet it's amazing how often employees act as though managers have the ability to read their minds.

How to Cope When Layoff Rumors Fly
[Business:Careers-Employment] If you think downsizing might be in your company's future, you need to be prepared for any eventuality. Know what you need to do to weather a potential setback, and how to react to the uncertainty.

Proper Career Management Will Get You Through Tough Times
[Business:Careers-Employment] Nobody is immune to the vagaries of the job market. The time to get serious about your career, though, is not when you realize you're about to lose your job. Pay attention to career management and you'll be in a much better position to weather the occasional setback.

Learn How to Critique Your Resume and Increase the Odds It'll Be Read
[Business:Resumes-Cover-Letters] Sometimes one of the most difficult things to do is to step back and objectively look at your work. Ask any artist. Once a person has become very close to a subject, it can be a challenge to view it with a fresh, dispassionate eye. This is a crucially important skill, however.

How Well Do You Communicate With Your Employees?
[Business:Workplace-Communication] Communication is an art; some people are better at it than others. If you're going to reach your full potential as a leader, though, it's a skill at which you must excel. These 8 tips that will make you a more effective communicator.

Interview Thank You Letters Are So Last Century - Or Are They?
[Business:Careers-Employment] Want to get the job offer? Then follow up after your interview with a thank you letter. If you skip this step (or compose a weak letter) it can derail your candidacy at the 11th hour.

Electronic Etiquette and Your Job Search
[Business:Resumes-Cover-Letters] Want to know how to foil your chances of being considered before your resume ever sees the light of day? Find out one excellent way - and how to avoid it.

Ace the Interview - The Art of Active Listening
[Business:Careers-Employment] The fact that we're nervous during job interviews only exacerbates the tendency to race ahead in our minds and listen less carefully than we should. Master the art of active listening; it'll pay dividends during your interview.

Are You a Manager - Or a Leader?
[Business:Management] Companies need both strong leadership and management; some people excel at both, though many are better at one than the other. Still, in today's service-driven economy, it's useful to recognize the traits common to successful leaders and understand how to combine them with superior management skills in order to achieve desired goals and objectives.

Career Management - Are You an Effective Leader?
[Business:Management] If your team doesn't perform well, neither do you. These leadership tips can mean the difference between good and not-so-great.

Unemployed? What You Can Do to Maintain a Positive Attitude
[Business:Careers-Employment] If you've been out of work for a while, it can begin to weigh on you. After a few months pounding the pavement with no offers to show for it, your confidence may begin to wane, you might have a hard time keeping yourself motivated, and you might be tempted to concede defeat. A positive attitude is crucial to your success, however. Learn how to review your search objectively - and take back control.

How Online Networking Can Impact Job Opportunities
[Business:Careers-Employment] Your online presence can be an asset - or a liability. It pays to be cognizant of the people who might be looking at your profile, and how the information is being used.

Don't Let a Lousy Interviewer Turn You Off to the Job
[Business:Careers-Employment] An interview with someone who is impolite or arrogant or disinterested or just not on his game that day needn't turn you off to the opportunity. Sound counterintuitive? Find out why a less than satisfactory interview may have no bearing on the job - and why you need to be able to shake it off.

Are You in Sales? If You're Interviewing For a Job, the Answer is Yes!
[Business:Careers-Employment] It doesn't matter if you're a software engineer, a logistics director or a graphic designer. If you're interviewing for a job, you're in sales. And you need to be good at it. Learn the traits common to successful salespeople, and find out how make them work for you.

Your Resume - Will it Get You the Interview Or Eliminate Your From Contention?
[Business:Resumes-Cover-Letters] Want to create better odds that your resume will do the job and get you invited to an interview? Keep these 8 tips in mind when you're writing or reviewing yours.

The Truth About Online Job Listings - Why You're Better Off Looking Elsewhere For Work
[Business:Careers-Employment] The vast majority of jobs are never advertised. Therefore, limiting yourself to job sites means you're only seeing a tiny sliver of what's available. Find out how to land your next job by getting the most out of personal contacts with others.

Your Resume - Is Anyone Going to Read It? Avoid These Common Mistakes When Writing Yours
[Business:Resumes-Cover-Letters] The purpose of your resume is to get you an invitation to interview. You're never going to get that chance if nobody reads what you've written.

My Recruiter Hasn't Found Me a Job - Understanding the Role Headhunters Play in Your Search
[Business:Careers-Employment] Understanding the role recruiters play in the job search process - and how these people fit into your strategy - is crucial to your success. Learn how to help the headhunter help you.

Will Your Resume Land You the Chance to Interview - Or Eliminate You From Contention?
[Business:Resumes-Cover-Letters] Don't blow your chances before you even get out of the starting gate. Craft a resume that makes it clear why you should be given the opportunity to interview for the position.

Conducting a Job Search While Employed - Don't Let Your Boss Find Out
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] With the Dow swinging back and forth like a yo-yo, more and more people are feeling nervous about their jobs - which means more people are looking to see what other opportunities might be available. Let your supervisor find out about your search, though, and you may quickly find yourself among the unemployed.

Turning Temp Work Into a Full Time Job
[Business:Careers-Employment] Unemployed? Temporary or project work might turn out to be the answer to a bad situation - as the source of your next full time job.

How Volunteering Can Help You Land Your Next Job
[Business:Careers-Employment] You left the work force to raise a family, or to care for a parent in ill health. Maybe your job was eliminated. Whatever your circumstance, volunteering may play an important role when it comes to finding your next job.

After a Job Layoff - How to Make Sure You Land on Your Feet
[Business:Careers-Employment] Change is constant. It's imperative that you be prepared for the vagaries of the job market. Especially when you're faced with a possible work force reduction, you'll be glad you did.

After a Job Layoff - What About Severance?
[Business:Careers-Employment] Are you guaranteed severance if you lose your job? Not necessarily. If you're worried about job security, you're not alone. The sluggish economy makes the prospect of further work force reductions a real fear for many.

After a Job Layoff - Make Sure You Leave on Good Terms
[Business:Careers-Employment] The way you handle yourself when leaving an employer is equally as important as how well you performed your job, and it can have tremendous impact on future opportunities. Don't shoot yourself in the foot by exiting on bad terms.

Worried About Losing Your Job? What to Do If You Think Your Company May Go Under
[Business:Careers-Employment] It's always better to be prepared than sorry. If you think there's a chance your company may close its doors entirely, there are four things you should do now.

After a Job Layoff - Take Advantage of Outplacement Services
[Business:Careers-Employment] Outplacement services can be a great resource - but not all firms are created equally. It pays to know how to evaluate the level of support you'll receive based upon your needs.

Worried About a Job Layoff? Review Your Finances Now and Be Ready For Any Eventuality
[Business:Careers-Employment] Don't let a layoff catch you by surprise. Examine your financial situation now and be ready for any eventuality.

Is Your Job at Risk? Learn How to Evaluate Whether Your Position is Secure
[Business:Careers-Employment] Whether or not your company is on shaky ground or about to go through a merger, acquisition, or other restructuring, it pays to periodically put a finger on the pulse of your job. Assess your position and determine how vulnerable you might be.

Is Your Job at Risk? Tips That Can Save Your Job When a Work Force Reduction Looms
[Business:Careers-Employment] Is a merger, acquisition, or some other form of restructuring in your company's future? It's essential that you evaluate your position and determine what you can do to put yourself in the most favorable situation.

Your Resume and Cover Letter - How to Beat the Odds and Get Noticed
[Business:Resumes-Cover-Letters] The best of credentials won't land you an interview if you can't get the hiring manager to read your resume. Follow these tips to make sure yours captures attention.

How to Blow a Job Interview - Focus on What You Want
[Business:Careers-Employment] When you make a purchase, whatever the item, you buy because you're convinced there's some upside for you. The soap will clean your dishes...the car looks great and has a good safety record...the garment looks good on you. The job interview works exactly the same way. You're the product and the company is the prospective buyer. Go into the interview focused on what you want and you may not get very far.

How to Blow a Job Interview - Be a Passive Participant
[Business:Careers-Employment] Do you walk into an interview expecting the hiring manager will give you the opportunity to showcase your skills and highlight why you're the best person for the job? What happens if she doesn't?

The Hidden Job Market - How to Make it a Lot More Visible to You
[Business:Careers-Employment] A sizeable percentage of jobs are never advertised. If you learn how to find opportunities that are open (or will soon be open) but unpublicized, you'll be steps ahead of the competition.

Career Assistance - Tap Your Alumni Network For Support
[Business:Careers-Employment] Many colleges and universities provide vital resources to alumni who are in the market for job advice. If you think these services are limited to those who have just been awarded diplomas, think again. You don't necessarily have to be a recent graduate to seek help from your alma mater.

Is Your Job in Jeopardy? Be Aware of the Warning Signs
[Business:Careers-Employment] Layoffs seldom come out of the blue, yet so often, employees are unprepared when it happens. Do yourself a favor and make sure you have your finger on the pulse of your company.

Job Search Strategies - Are You an Elite Performer?
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] What does it take to become a Grand Slam tennis champion, a world class swimmer, or a pitching ace who's a consistent 20 game winner? What's required in order to climb to the pinnacle of any sport? And how does that relate to your job search?

Job Search Strategies - How Your Online Profile Can Help the Right People Find You
[Business:Job-Search-Techniques] Get the most out of your online profile. Take the time and construct it with care; it might be the key to a great new job.

Nerves and the Job Interview
[Business:Careers-Employment] When it comes to the interviewing process, the biggest problem for most people is nerves. While a little bit of anxiety can actually enhance performance (it helps us to focus and gives us a little shot of energy), too much can have a negative impact. If you're overly nervous in an interview setting, your reaction time will be slower, you'll be less responsive to cues, and you'll be much more likely to make mistakes.

Your Telephone Voice - Interview Asset Or Liability?
[Business] Very often, the first step in the job interviewing process is a phone screen. This is a fairly brief conversation, perhaps as short as 20 minutes, during which you might talk with a recruiter (either internal or external), a human resources manager, or possibly the hiring manager himself. Phone screens are often used with out of town candidates.

How Well Do You Communicate With Your Boss?
[Business:Workplace-Communication] Your working relationship with your boss is critical. However, many people make the mistake of ceding all responsibility for clear lines of communication to their supervisor.

Getting the Most Out of the Recruiter Relationship
[Business:Careers-Employment] Relationships with good recruiters can be among your most valuable career assets and can benefit you throughout your working life. Not only is this a great investment in your career, it won't cost you a dime.

Good Reasons to Keep Your Resume Updated
[Business:Resumes-Cover-Letters] It may be a challenge initially to get yourself into the habit of regularly updating your resume, but it will pay off. Put yourself in a position to react quickly to opportunities - and to unexpected change - by keeping this vital document current.

Clergy Appreciation - Why Acknowledging and Supporting Your Spiritual Leader Matters
[News-and-Society:Religion] If you belong to a church, you know that clergy are always "on call" and available to provide counsel and support. What happens, though, when your pastor or priest needs pastoral care? Ministering to the minister is something that every member of the congregation can do.

The Gift of Godparents - Age Old Baptism Traditions That Remain Relevant Today
[News-and-Society:Religion] Godparents - where did the tradition come from? They're not mentioned in the Bible, but the practice has certainly been around for many hundreds of years.

Godparent Gifts - Honoring Baby's First Friends in Faith
[Shopping-and-Product-Reviews:Gifts] Your child's godparents have made a unique commitment to your child. How can you convey your thanks and commemorate this special relationship in a unique way?

Unique Personalized Gifts - Make a Memory With a Gift That Will Become a Cherished Keepsake
[Shopping-and-Product-Reviews:Gifts] A gift can convey meaning on a much deeper level when it's a unique expression of the relationship you share with the recipient - or if it's uniquely tailored to him or her in some way. This type of thoughtful giving elevates the act to something wonderfully emotional and touching for both the giver and the receiver.

Volunteer Recognition and Motivation - Tips to Avoid Burnout and Keep Church Workers Inspired
[News-and-Society:Religion] Volunteer workers are the lifeblood of any church. In most cases, there's simply no way to operate without them. Yet it's not uncommon for those people to be taxed to the point of burnout. How, then, can you prevent burnout and keep people inspired?