If you recently graduated from college and are relatively new to the workforce, it can be hard to understand the professional world immediately. There are so many unwritten rules, and often, you don’t really have anyone to guide you through these rules, until, that is, you make a mistake and learn the hard way.…… Continue reading 3 Workplace No-No’s for Young Professionals
Three Ways to Look Smarter in Fewer Words
What is smart? If you were to call someone “smart” what exactly does that mean? Does it mean memorizing a lot of information and regurgitating on a moment’s notice? Does it mean being quick witted and mentally nimble, being able to respond to anything or anyone at any time no matter what the topic is?…… Continue reading Three Ways to Look Smarter in Fewer Words
12 Job Search Sites for Young Professionals
Always in search of websites that help in career development, I was glad to hear from a regular reader who raved about the value of Career One Stop, which provides career tips and salary range information by zip code for all major career categories. So, I decided to share that link along with 11 others that…… Continue reading 12 Job Search Sites for Young Professionals
Building a Relationship With Your Employer
No matter where an employee works, they usually like the idea of being seen in a positive light by their employer. Sometimes, it doesn’t always work out and the employer ends up with a negative impression of the employee. Regardless of whether you’re a new hire or someone who has been with the company…… Continue reading Building a Relationship With Your Employer
Interviews: Be Prepared for 2-Way Q&As
Q. I went into an interview last week well prepared to discuss my strengths and weaknesses and career goals, but I wasn’t prepared for what happened. Almost the entire time with three different people consisted of them asking me what questions I had about the company. They, in turn, answered those questions and asked follow up questions…… Continue reading Interviews: Be Prepared for 2-Way Q&As
Tap Mentors Before Going Out On Your Own
Last week, I met with two former colleagues who are contemplating “what’s next” in their careers. One is thinking about leaving her job to pursue her dream of starting her own PR consulting business, and the other has been out of work for several months and is weighing three options–finding another corporate job, join a consulting…… Continue reading Tap Mentors Before Going Out On Your Own
How Your Decisions Are Influenced
Ron Culp enjoyed my recent newsletter and asked me to adapt it for a guest post that would have relevance for young professionals. Here goes: Social media posts, mainstream news and emails continue to overwhelm us with news, entertainment, information and sometimes education. It’s enough to make you avoid your inbox. Nonetheless, it is important…… Continue reading How Your Decisions Are Influenced
Moving Home Without Guilt
Q. I finished my internship this month and haven’t found another job and my rent is due next week. I can’t afford to live with my current roommates, but I don’t really want to move back to my parents’ house. Since I’m an only child they say it’s fine, but I know they didn’t think they…… Continue reading Moving Home Without Guilt
Think Before You Ink: Not Everyone Thinks It’s Cool
Tattoos have been on my mind lately—not on my skin, I should point out—but certainly on my mind. What I’ve been thinking about is the number of tattoos showing up on young people of all philosophies and political leanings and how these tattoos may affect their careers. Even a conservative college graduate we know…… Continue reading Think Before You Ink: Not Everyone Thinks It’s Cool
Don’t Procrastinate When Applying For a Job
I was surprised to get an email yesterday from a former colleague who said he had not yet heard from a recent graduate I suggested he consider for an entry-level job opening. My recommendation conversation took place two weeks ago, and I encouraged the former student to apply as soon as possible. So, I looped back to the…… Continue reading Don’t Procrastinate When Applying For a Job