10 Things to Do Before Your Last Day at Work

6-06-2010

You’ve given your current employer two weeks’ notice that you’re resigning. Whether you’re leaving to go back to school or to work for another company, there are a few items you should take care of before your last day at work. Here are ten things to cross off your list prior to departing for your new endeavor.

Perception at Work Matters!

5-05-2010

A recent WhatCollegeForgot.com post on how to get promoted faster highlighted the importance of being proactive, enhancing your visibility within an organization, and being more efficient with your time. But what about perception at work? Does the perception that others have of you at work make a difference in terms of your career development? The short answer is yes, perception at work definitely does matter and is something you should proactively think about starting from day one.

3 Tips to Get Promoted Faster

5-05-2010

It’s no secret that members of Generation Y yearn for achievement and recognition, and thanks to the Internet, obtaining results quickly has become a way of life. These two defining characteristics help explain why many young professionals just like you strive to excel at their job and get promoted. While it’s not realistic that you’ll always be promoted as quickly as you hope, there are some tactics you can use to improve your chances. Below are three tips you can follow to add value at work and get promoted faster.

Career Plan Development in 5 Steps

3-03-2010

Career plan development is an ongoing process where you carve out a path to help you reach your long-term professional goals.  Here are five steps to help you develop a plan for career success. Start now, decide where you'd eventually like your career  to take you, write down and research your goals, use your current role as a springboard, and adjust your career plan as necessary.

Exit Interview Protocol

1-01-2010

Dear WCF, I’ve just accepted a new job and gave my old company two weeks notice. They’ve scheduled an exit interview for me at the end of my second week. Although my new job is a step up from my present position, I’m leaving the company primarily because I just couldn’t stand working for my manager any longer.  I’m not the only one.  She’s disliked by just about everyone in the department.  I’ve nothing against my old company but feel they would be better off without this manager.  Should I share these feelings during the exit interview?

How to Write Effective Emails

12-12-2009

Whether you’re writing an informal email to an internal colleague or a formal message to an external client, your emails should always be clear and relevant communication. It’s worth your time and effort to develop good email communication habits, as email has the potential to move quickly within an organization and can become widely available beyond the intended recipient(s). This article covers the five topics to help you write more effective emails.

Holiday Etiquette at the Office

11-11-2009

Office politics and etiquette can be difficult to get used to when you first join the working world. And just when you think you’re getting the hang of it, the holiday season typically throws some more curves your way. If you wonder what proper holiday etiquette is, you’re not alone. Should you give your boss a gift? What about attend your company's holiday party? Anything else to think about?

How to Show Your Boss That You’re Invaluable

10-10-2009

An article in SmartMoney caught my attention this week – Anne Kadet explores Ten Ways to Make Your Boss Love You. While I don’t agree with everything in the article, I think there are several points worth sharing. Here’s a summary of my favorite tips from Anne’s article, along with some additional insights on how to show your boss that you're invaluable.

For Success at Work, Get a Mentor

7-07-2009

With today’s increasingly diverse workforce, corporate globalization, and the pervasiveness of Internet communications, this mentoring model has become outdated and devalued. But young professionals can still benefit from mentors in our hyper-paced, contemporary work environment. In fact, contact with more experienced colleagues is more valuable than ever before. This article helps you better understand how to utilize mentors and how to get a mentor.

Career Development Goals – How to Take Your Job to the Next Level

7-07-2009

You’re interested in taking your job to the next level and want to talk to your boss about your career development goals. This is good news, as you can impact your professional development more than you may realize. In fact, some managers only consider promoting employees who proactively request a development and promotion plan. To help you take control of your professional career development goals, this article covers the following topics:  developing rapport with your boss, nailing down a job description and development plan, delivering strong job performance, and setting up a performance evaluation meeting.

Career Exploration: Finding the Right Fit

10-10-2010

What would you do for a living if money wasn’t a consideration? Whatever comes to your mind when you answer this question gives you valuable insights into your career passion. Wouldn’t it be awesome if you could actually make a living doing something that’s a perfect match for your interests and preferred talents? Career exploration takes time and the willingness to really think about who you are, what makes you happy, and what you see yourself doing in your dream career.

8 Tips for Unemployment Survival

4-04-2010

Unemployment is a staggering reality for many young professionals like Senta Schreiber of Chicago.  If you’ve been laid off or fired from your job, the inability to work can have a debilitating effect on your finances and your psyche. However with a little preparation and a positive attitude, you can survive unemployment. “I was laid off in December of 2008,” says Schreiber, “but since then I have become a stronger person.” This article covers tips to help you gain a better perspective and survive unemployment, just like Schreiber has.

6 Tips for Landing Your Dream Job

2-02-2010

As unattainable as a dream job might sound, with the right amount of forethought and preparation, you can make the move as well. Here are six tips to get you started: learn about yourself, don't be deterred by lack of experience, ease into a new career one foot at a time, remember that any progress is good progress, start early, and have realistic expectations.

The Job Interview – How to Stand Out in a Sea of Black Suits

2-02-2010

Most people know that you need to wear a suit to an interview, but why is that almost everyone chooses a black suit? The interviewer should remember you (in a good way), which is difficult to accomplish if you’re dressed like everyone else –in the ever popular black suit.  There’s nothing wrong with black, but here are a few ways to make your attire (and hopefully your overall interview) more memorable.

Applying with a Video Cover Letter

1-01-2010

A traditional cover letter is a brief document you send to a prospective employer that describes your interest in and qualifications for a job you’d like. You should always opt to include a cover letter when you apply for a job, unless you’ve personally been asked to submit just a resume. But, you know this process takes a lot of time, and sometimes, it’s difficult to figure out how to write an effective cover letter for each position you’re applying for. Luckily, new innovations in recruiting may provide you with a better solution. A video cover letter!

Make a Craigslist Job Search More Effective

12-12-2009

Last night, I posted an ad on Craigslist to find photographers and videographers to infuse some creativity into WhatCollegeForgot.com. In just twenty-four hours, I’ve already received over fifty responses. You have a lot of competition out there if you’re searching Craigslist for job opportunities, but the good news is, there are some ways you can make your email “cover letter” stand out:  be memorable, explain why you're a good fit, use the right supporting materials, proofread what you write, and offer to follow up.

Application Advice – 4 Tips for a Job Search

12-12-2009

Job searches can be daunting, as they tend to require a lot of time and energy. Here are four tips to help you be more efficient and effective when filling out applications during a job hunt. Research companies before you apply, learn how to utilize your network, write a strong objective statement, and stay connected even when you don't get the job.

How to Find Your Dream Job – Follow the 4 W’s

10-10-2009

Perhaps you recently graduated from college and need help choosing a career path. Or maybe you find yourself stuck in a rut after working a couple of years in your current field. Because professional and personal struggles at this age often go hand-in-hand, it’s important to take a comprehensive approach to finding your dream job. This article will help you plan how to find your dream job by answering the following questions.

Job References

9-09-2009

References are one of the most undervalued instruments in a job hunter’s tool box. Good job references help you land a job, but they also enhance your value in the eyes of your new employer. On the other hand, less than enthusiastic references could cost you a job offer. Get tips on how to select the right references.

10 Steps for Writing Good Cover Letters

7-07-2009

A cover letter is a brief letter you send to a prospective employer as part of your job application. It expresses your interest in and qualifications for a position you seek. Many job seekers wonder if they should include a cover letter with their resume when applying for a job. You should always opt for a cover letter unless an individual at the company has personally asked for just a resume. In this situation, you’ve already made a personal connection, and the cover letter could be overkill. Here are ten steps for writing good cover letters.

How to Prepare for an In-person Interview

7-07-2009

You’ve written an effective resume, applied for a new job, received a call from a hiring manager, and passed a phone interview. Your last hurdle to a possible job offer is an in-person interview, which is typically the most important part of the hiring process. Learn how to research a company, practice answering several types of interview questions, and prepare for your in-person interview.

How to Write a Resume for Job #2

7-07-2009

A resume reflecting work experience looks different than a resume prepared in college. College resumes typically focus on academic information – expected degrees, majors, minors, coursework, honors, campus activities, and internships. These items are used in place of relevant work experience to help employers understand new graduates’ work capabilities. Now that you have work experience, your academic credentials become less important. To help you write a good resume that markets your work experience, this article covers the following topics: design your resume, select your resume format, write your resume, what to leave out when writing your resume, and general resume tips.