Archive: July 2011
Video resumes: Handle with extreme care
For job seekers looking to stand out from the crowd of other applicants, it's sometimes helpful to show off your creativity by trying a new technology or displaying your skills in an unusual format. This has led to a rise...
What if this is an opportunity?
In my monthly career seminars, I ask who among the participants is unemployed. When most folks raise their hands, I congratulate them. Why? Because few people love what they do. If you're unemployed, this is your opportunity to find your dream job or create your ideal environment.
How being a clutter bug can hurt you at work
Is your desk buried under papers, file folders, and other clutter? If so, you could be jeopardizing your next promotion. [Flickr photo by aliwest44] According to a new CareerBuilder survey, more than a quarter of employers (28 percent) say...
Understand contractor compensation before accepting the role
Congratulations! You've received an offer from a Microsoft vendor. Before you accept, consider two important decisions. First, be careful before signing a non-compete agreement, and second, don't take the first compensation offer.
Unexpected benefits of using a standing desk
You've probably seen the scary statistics about how sitting all day can drastically cut short your lifespan. Thanks to a bad back and some pesky stiffness in my legs, I was already contemplating purchasing an adjustable desk that I...
McGinn initiatives may give Seattle job creation a nudge
Many of the Mayor's proposals in this month alone contain elements that may end up adding new employment opportunities for job seekers.
What you need to know about contracting at Microsoft
If you're a newbie to contracting at companies such as Microsoft, the world of contract positions can be a foreign one. At Microsoft in particular, it helps to know the language before you immerse yourself.
What's your work mantra?
Sunday night, after a glorious weekend on the Olympic Peninsula, I came home to several hours of uncompleted work. Due 9 a.m. Monday, hard stop. After two leisurely days of beach strolls and sunsets, communing with my computer was...
Twitter-based jobs conference: Brave new world?
You knew it had to happen eventually. Since everybody these days seems to be conducting business in 140 characters or less, it was only a matter of time before the Twitter machine would take on the world of conferences. This...
Writer's block? Focus on writing, not editing or publishing
In my last column, "Best-selling author shares tips for career success," I wrote about my recent interview with celebrity ghostwriter Andrea Cagan. Here are some lessons we discussed on how to become a successful writer.
Gen Y to employers: Your on-the-job training programs stink!
Much has been written about how Generation Y -- the under-30 crowd in the workforce -- has had to adjust their attitude in today's crippled job market. As Associated Press reporter Cindy Krischer Goodman (no relation) wrote last fall,...
Best-selling author shares tips for career success
I recently interviewed Andrea Cagan, ghostwriter of Wendy Walker's recent book "Producer: Lessons Shared from 30 Years in Television" (the topic of last week's column, "Career lessons from Larry King's senior executive producer"). Andrea's career history was not only fascinating, but also packed with lessons we all could benefit from.
LinkedIn weighs in on 'Battle of the Networking Sexes'
Looking for a lively discussion at your next career mixer? How about an argument about whether men or women are better at networking? That ought to break some ice (or perhaps ice over some people). While this humble blogger won't...
Online do-overs: Do we need a law to erase our internet mistakes?
Unless you've been living under a rock the past few years you're probably well aware that any improprieties you make online can come back to haunt you professionally. One suggestive tweet or drunken YouTube video can be all it...
Career lessons from Larry King's senior executive producer
Wendy Walker began her career late in the television industry -- at an old age, as she puts it. She was 25. The only way she knew how to enter the business at the time was to get a job as a secretary.
Anti-fraud policies: Why your business needs one
On career websites like this one, Independence Day often conjures up talk of starting one's own business. In fact, my esteemed colleague Randy Woods wrote an excellent post on the topic yesterday. [Flickr photo by timlewisnm] For many new...
Declaring your independence via freelancing
This holiday weekend, while we celebrate our nation's 235th birthday, I thought it would be an appropriate time to discuss other forms of independence -- namely the severing of ties with an employer and the launch of a new career...
Who's telecommuting and who isn't
Every time I write a blog post or article about telecommuting, the reader questions come pouring in: How can I find a telecommuting job? Do work-from-home jobs for entry-level workers exist? I like my job and could do some...
Randy Woods writes about job-search tools, networking techniques and other tips to help you land your dream job.
Matt Youngquist, based in Bellevue, is a recognized expert in career coaching, job hunting and professional networking.
Natalie Singer is a Seattle writer who covers workplace issues, work/life balance and self-employment.
Former contributors
Michelle Goodman is the author of "My So-Called Freelance Life" and "The Anti 9-to-5 Guide."
Paul Anderson helps professionals in transition find their desired employment.
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