Archive: June 2011
Why we need horrible bosses
We've all worked for them. The tyrant who enjoys belittling others in public. The snake who pawns off her work on you and takes credit for it. The workaholic who expects everyone else to give up their personal life just...
Local company gaining DataSphere of influence
When I host my monthly career mixers in partnership with NWjobs.com, I ask attendees during the registration to list employers they would like to see at the event. One of the names I've been hearing recently is DataSphere Technologies, which partners with media companies throughout the country to help distribute their content on a neighborhood level.
Are women who take their spouse's name judged unfairly at work?
I recently got married with the least amount of fanfare possible. No engagement announcement. No ring. No dress. No floral arrangements, seating charts, Jordan almonds, bridesmaids, or high-priced photographer (the picture at the left is not of me). Just...
Southwest WA: Where the jobs are?
With the return of nice weather (eventually) and summer vacation, the networking calendar for July is one of the lightest of the year -- small enough to fit into a single Hire Ground post. But that doesn't mean there aren't...
Why networking sucks (most of the time)
I was asked to speak recently at Bellevue College's health-care information technology certification program on the topic of networking. I asked the audience: "How many of you decide to go to networking events eagerly waiting to hear other people's elevator pitches?" No one raised their hand. So why do we do it?
Night shift workers: What's your sleep strategy?
A recent NWjobs article and another on MSNBC gave a glimpse into the lives of people who prefer to work the night shift. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 3 percent of the country's full-time workforce pulls the...
Facts tell, stories sell
It's extremely difficult for a hiring manager to remember a series of facts about a particular candidate, especially when he or she is interviewing dozens of applicants. It's much easier to remember stories.
Building two-way relationships with JobMatcher
One of the most useful aspects of social networking sites is the ability to build referrals and receive notifications about job leads far faster than a conventional scan of the want ads. The beauty of this arrangement is that it's...
A guide to vanpool etiquette
I recently wrote about the pros and cons of vanpooling for NWjobs. While researching the story, I learned that each van has its own code of conduct, no matter how informal. As my article mentions, "Don't keep your vanmates...
Post-recession dads: Less willing to give up breadwinner role?
When it comes to work/life balance, the recession has left more than a few working dads gun-shy. According to CareerBuilder's Annual Father's Day Survey, working dads are more reluctant to let go of the breadwinner role than they were...
Develop your value proposition and set yourself apart
In today's competitive job market, you can't just be a nurse, project manager or accountant; you also need to be an outstanding marketer. You must know how to get an employer's attention and make the company choose you over the hundreds of other applicants.
Where to get insider information for submitting your resume
Gathering this information takes a little time and effort, but it can be invaluable when the time comes to send in your résumé -- from the right source.
Are workers becoming more comfortable with flexibility?
A new national survey says yes. According to survey sponsor Work+Life Fit, Inc., which helps companies create flexibility programs, today's full-time workers are less worried than they used to be that having a flexible work schedule will affect their paycheck...
Summer e-learning, networking opportunities to come
Before I launch into my update of job search networking and workshop events for the rest of June, I wanted to send out a reminder about a great learning opportunity that many job seekers may have missed from the Employment...
When crisis hits home, should your job take a backseat?
By now, you've probably seen the video of U2 performing "Beautiful Day" at Qwest Field last Saturday. From a video monitor above the stage, Space Shuttle Endeavor Commander Mark Kelly sends his love to wife Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords via...
Where you come from matters
Let's talk about where you come from. I don't mean your hometown, your country of origin or your last job; I'm talking about the source of your résumé in a company's applicant tracking system (ATS). It could mean the difference between a phone call from human resources and a "thanks, but no thanks" letter.
How to stay focused during lengthy job searches
They say April is the cruelest month, but when you're looking for work in the moss-covered Pacific Northwest, I'd say it's more like June. As we saw from the last few days of fantastic weather following a particularly drenching spring,...
How to maximize professional associations, part 2
In my last post, "How to maximize professional associations," I gave you two ideas for a more targeted approach to your job search. Here are three additional strategies for maximizing your involvement with professional associations that can help you get noticed and hired quickly.
Outrage of the week: On maternity leave? No home loan for you!
There are so many reports of maddening workplace and work-related practices these days that I've decided to create a recurring feature called Outrage of the Week. This week's outrage: [Photo by Flickr user Xbeckie boox] The New York Times...
How to maximize professional associations
Professional associations can enhance your job-search activities and dramatically shorten your transition if you know how to leverage them. Most professionals use associations as a way to network with others in their industry. Here are two ways to use them to gain exposure and build credibility with local companies looking to hire.
Karen Burns is the author of The Amazing Adventures of Working Girl, a career guide based on her 59 jobs over 40 years in 22 cities.
Lisa Quast is a certified career coach, mentor, business consultant, former corporate executive and author based in the Seattle area.
Randy Woods writes about job-search tools, networking techniques and other tips to help you land your dream job.
Former contributors
Matt Youngquist is the president of Career Horizons, a career counseling firm.
Natalie Singer is a Seattle writer, editor and small-business owner.
Michelle Goodman is the author of "My So-Called Freelance Life" and "The Anti 9-to-5 Guide."
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