Why You Should Give This Valuable (FREE) Present to All Colleagues & Managers in 2009
November 30, 2009 by sparktalk · View Comments
What’s the one gift you can give that:
A) Will be truly appreciated.
B) Only takes a few minutes to give.
C) Is good for co-workers, past colleagues, managers, or anyone else you feel you should recognize with a token gift this season.
D) Shows what a thoughtful professional you really are!
I’ll give you a hint: Read more
T.A.P. Q#386 – Do I HAVE to Attend the Holiday Party?
November 30, 2009 by sparktalk · View Comments
Dear Experts,
I work at a small office. There are only 20 of us. It’s my first year here and I just learned the owner is taking us all out to dinner at this fancy restaurant for the holidays. I’m pretty quiet at work and don’t really socialize with anyone there, so the idea of spending the whole evening with these folks sounds terrible to me. However, I heard someone at work talking about having another party that night to go to and saying she will have to cancel because she doesn’t want to skip the dinner for fear it would hurt her career. When I asked her about it, she said the boss really prides himself on treating us all to dinner and that he’d takes it personally as not caring about being part of the team if we don’t go. I think that is ridiculous, but I also don’t want to hurt my career. Is there a way to skip it without it looking bad?
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). Read more
5 Ways Body Language Can Cost You the Job
November 30, 2009 by sparktalk · View Comments
By CAREEREALISM-Approved Expert, Debra Wheatman
What your body conveys can tell far more about your feelings than you suspect. How you stand, your eye contact (or lack thereof), and the position of your hands, among other things send a message. Depending on your body’s language establishes a tone that you subconsciously convey. Read more
Students & Recent Grads: How to Get a Real Job
November 28, 2009 by sparktalk · View Comments
Dear J.T. & Dale: My 25-year-old son graduated from college more than a year ago and has yet to find a meaningful job. He has had interviews, but usually somebody else gets the job. I know the market is at its worst, but what can he do to find a job that is better than his current one, delivering pizzas? — Preston Read more
Job Seekers: 5 Smart Steps on Twitter
November 28, 2009 by sparktalk · View Comments
By CAREEREALISM-Approved Expert, Rosa E. Vargas
Every job seeker who is using Twitter for job search purposes pretty much just gets on board and hastily creates a Twitter account. However, a few calculated steps will be invaluable in the launching of your Twitter account for an effective job search campaign. Please read the following and see if you can tweak your account today: Read more
Hostile Work Environment: How to Deal With Office Grouch
November 27, 2009 by sparktalk · View Comments
Dear J.T. & Dale: I work for a property management company, and we have a maintenance supervisor who is verbally abusive to residents as well as to fellow employees. I have brought it to the attention of the manager several times. Nothing changes. This is a hostile work environment, and the company has no handbook and offers no training. How should I pursue this? — Caitlin Read more
T.A.P. Q#385 – Should I Offer to Pay for Dinner?
November 25, 2009 by sparktalk · View Comments
Dear Experts,
I’ve had an informal job interview with a company (upon their request) and have now been invited to come visit the company and plant. They are taking care of my hotel booking and have already informed me they will pay for my room. I will travel by car, at my own expense.
If they offer to have dinner together after my visit, should I offer to pay for dinner or at least offer to split the costs? Or, in your opinion, can I accept the invitation? I am a woman by the way, and I expect my meeting will be with a few men.
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). Read more
10 Ways to Treat Your New Job Like a Product Launch
November 25, 2009 by sparktalk · View Comments
By CAREEREALISM-Approved Expert, Rob Taub
Securing a new job is akin to a success product launching! All the time spent running a well-organized marketing campaign and now the product is in the market. Well…You’ve landed your new job! As in the product launch, you want to continually work on product positioning and posturing for long term success, right? Likewise, you want to do so for your long term career success.
10 Rules for Starting Your New Job on the Right Foot: Read more
How to Use This Site
November 24, 2009 by sparktalk · View Comments
T.A.P. Q#384 – Took Black Friday Off But Now Boss Needs Me to Work
November 24, 2009 by sparktalk · View Comments
Dear Experts,
I never take Black Friday off but this year I decided to so I could spend the day with family. My boss gave me permission three weeks ago to take this day off from work. He even said he was going to take it off as well.
Yesterday, my boss sent me an e-mail requesting I change my plans and take Monday off instead. He says he’ll be working on Friday and would prefer to have me there ‘in case’ he needs my help.
How do I politely explain to my boss I want this day off? Is there any nice way to decline a request from your boss? Should I just go to work? Ugh, the holidays can be so frustrating!
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). Read more
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