Whose Life Do You Want? (Besides Oprah’s)
May 31, 2009 by sparktalk · View Comments
By J.T. O’Donnell
Let’s face it, everyone at some point in their life has said something like, “Gee, it must be nice to be (insert someone famous here).” But lately, I feel like the media is working so hard to show the ugly side of every famous person out there that it’s become tough for me to think of anyone I’d want to trade places with. Don’t get me wrong, my life is far from perfect. I’m not living some sort of insane lifestyle. I’d say I’m your average gal. I’ve got a hubby, kids, dogs, house, job, etc. Come to think of it, I’m pretty vanilla. And yet, nobody, (okay, with the exception of Oprah – but that’s a given), strikes me as a person I’d want to trade places with.
So, I’m asking you: Who’s life do you want? Share below and don’t forget to give me three reasons why you’d want to be this person.
T.A.P. Q#141 – How Do I Get My Name In The “Top Fold” On Google
May 29, 2009 by sparktalk · View Comments
Dear Experts,
I have been reading a lot about the importance of coming in “above the fold” on Google, being easy to Google, etc. I don’t have a particularly common name, but there is another person out there with my name who is in the film industry, which definitely gives her the upper hand on Google. I’m curious whether the experts have any advice on this topic. I’ve claimed the Google Profile link for my name and my Twitter account has crept into the top 10 results. Is there anything else you recommend?
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‘Am I Money?’ #6 – Susan, Sales & Marketing Consultant
May 29, 2009 by sparktalk · View Comments
Hi Experts,
I’m a sales and marketing specialist running my own consulting firm. I don’t have a cover letter, but I do have a resume and LinkedIn account…Am I Money?
T.A.P. Q#140 – Multitasking Good Or Bad Approach To Doing Work?
May 29, 2009 by sparktalk · View Comments
Dear Experts,
I’ve always believed that multitasking is not a great approach. When attention is divided, quality, volume and deadlines can be compromised. I’ve been happy to read several articles that support the negatives of multitasking. How do I downplay the popularity of this and explain the positives of “one thing at a time”?
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Got a career question you’d like answered? Send it to twitter@careerealism.com along with your Twitter account name (you must use Twitter for us to post your question).
T.A.P. Q#139 – Why Don’t Companies Offer Internships For Adults?
May 28, 2009 by sparktalk · View Comments
Dear Experts,
Why don’t companies offer internships to adults who are looking to change jobs, industries, or just learn something new. It seems with so many people out of work, they could benefit from people with real world experience. I know I would love (and have applied for) internships that focus on social media and public relations.
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‘Am I Money?’ #5 – Catherine, An Executive Assistant With Experience
May 28, 2009 by sparktalk · View Comments
I would love to have my resume, cover letter and LinkedIn profile rated by your experts! Looking forward to the feedback and hopefully, it’s positive!! Here’s my information:
Regards,
Catherine Kichler
How to Be ‘Professionally Irresistible’ On-line
May 28, 2009 by sparktalk · View Comments
By J.T. O’Donnell
Yesterday, I had an amazing time presenting to 700+ people over at ERE.net – a great resource for recruiters and HR professionals. The topic? How to make yourself desirable on-line – I mean, really, really irresistible.
Is it hard? Nope. Can anyone do it? Yep. Is it time consuming? Well, if you think a few hours on the front-end and then 20 minutes/day, 4-5 days/week is too much to keep your professional hygiene in order, then I guess so.
Okay, I’m being a bit sarcastic, but that’s only because creating a strong personal brand through social media is so doable. Not to mention, interesting and good for your career.
So, I hope you’ll take the time to check out the slides & read the transcript. Especially, if you like peanut butter. (Now, you’ll have to take a look to see what I mean!)
T.A.P. Q#138 – How Do I Tell A Company 8 Hours Per Day Is My Max?
May 28, 2009 by sparktalk · View Comments
Dear Experts,
Once in awhile I read a job announcement that lists something like “and other duties” as part of their job description. Other times I’ve seen specific examples of employees having to take classes, go through training or even learn another language outside of their regular work schedule. When I’ve put in my 8 hours, my personal time is mine and I believe companies asking for this are asking too much. I’m ready to say I’m not doing it, but how?
The answer I’d give now would be, “I didn’t plan on this when I accepted the position and I have other personal commitments,” even if that means I’m relaxing at home. I know it could mean I’d lose the job. So how would you say “No thanks?”
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Actually, There Is A Better Way to Layoff People
May 27, 2009 by sparktalk · View Comments
“J.T. & Dale Talk Jobs” is the largest nationally syndicated career advice column in the country and can be found at jtanddale.com.
Dear J.T. & Dale: I am a manager who regularly reads your column for insight into what employees and potential new hires are thinking. I have worked hard to build the trust of my team, but now I’ve been instructed to lay off four of them. Our HR department has given me some guidelines for doing the deed that are cold and impersonal. I’d love some advice from you guys on how I can go a bit further and minimize the negative impact on the self-esteem of my departing employees. — Carly Read more
T.A.P. Q#137 – How Do I Explain What I’ve Been Doing Since Being Laid Off?
May 27, 2009 by sparktalk · View Comments
Dear Experts,
Where, if at all, do I put work that I did “in the meantime”, after being laid off? I spent 6 weeks doing census work, for instance. Do I save that information for the interview?
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