Generations X and Y have changed the workplace. They now make up at least 50 percent of the work force and may manage or even own companies. While unfairly labeled “lazy” and “self-centered,” younger workers are simply different. They have a new set of values and experiences. But the generations make assumptions about one another’s differences instead of talking them out, according to Cam Marston, author of “Motivating the ‘What’s in it for Me?’ Workforce” (Cam Marston, 2005). Read more...

Meal interviews are multi-tasking nightmares. Although the primary purpose is the interview, there’s a secondary purpose to these “mind-your-manners interviews” such as: ‘How well do you handle yourself during a business meal?’ During the course of my career I’ve seen quite a few ghastly faux pas that have nixed an otherwise capable candidate. So, follow these pointers and mind your manners. Read more...

The purpose of providing references is to close the deal. It isn’t to discover if you are telling the truth about your dates of employment, verify that you’ve demonstrated the proper skills for the job or even to assure the hiring authority that he’s making the right decision to hire you, though each reason contributes. Read more...

Here’s an e-mail I received from a job seeker who knows how important networking is, yet is reluctant to do it. In other words, fear is wrecking his career. Could it be wrecking yours, too? Read more...

As an employment counselor, I observe erroneous assumptions on the part of job seekers that lead to many frustrations. “It doesn’t matter” is possibly the most common assumption that is made. Read more...

“It is not the workin’ I mind, it’s the job-hunting that I hate,” said a Los Angeles resident on a National Public Radio series on welfare reform. As an employment counselor, I have heard the same sentiment expressed many times. Job seekers tend to find the job search process very frustrating. I call it the job-search blahs or job-search anxiety. Read more...

Ever had a new job just sort of fall into your lap? I’ll bet it’s happened at least once to you or someone you know. Perhaps you got a phone call from an old friend who referred you to a hiring manager or an e-mail from a relative urging you to apply at their company. Wouldn’t it be nice if there were a way to attract more job opportunities like this? Read more...