HRGuru

A reader writes: I got a job that I really wanted and I'm happy and grateful. My question is what's the best way to let other prospective employers know? These are places where I put in resumes, but haven't gotten interviews. (If I had interviewed for another job and was still waiting, I would call the hiring manager when I got ...

At a recent conference, the emcee announced that some attendees might be reluctant to shake hands (with all of the media talk about colds and flu) and suggested it was perfectly acceptable to find an alternative greeting such as the fist bump. At first, I thought this was kinda weird. I mean, a public declaration that it’s OK not to shake ...

After you’ve successfully completed a job search, shouldn’t networking be the last thing on your mind? Not so, say networking experts. In fact, internal networking, right from the beginning, is key to maintaining the upward trajectory of your career. Here’s how to successfully launch your networking campaign at a new job. Why Network from the Start? “When you start in a ...

A growing number of jobseekers find themselves in the midst of a long-term job search. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. jobless rate soared to a four-year high of 5.7% in July 2008 and the average job search took more than four months to net results. However, some critics would put this number and the number of the unemployed ...

The current job market is challenging for everyone. Job hunters are finding themselves in a long, grueling job hunt – despite years of experience and impressive degrees. Yet, many job hunters are finding success. There is no single formula for job search success. However, Daniel Johnson, Jr., host of How I Got My Job, has noticed that successful job hunters do ...

When Erik Moser was laid off from his job in public relations in January 2009, he improvised to keep his finances afloat. He scaled back on eating out. He picked up a few odd jobs, like babysitting for his sister and dog walking for friends. He even got out of the lease on his Chicago apartment and moved back in with ...

The best way to put a dollar value on benefits as part of a job offer is to ask the prospective employer to do it for you, says management expert Lonnie Pacelli, author of The Project Management Advisor: 18 Major Project Screw-Ups, and How to Cut Them Off at the Pass. Jim Greeley, director of career services at Merrimack College in ...

NEW YORK - Even though the economy is still suffering and many small businesses won't be hiring for some time, some companies are thinking about taking on more workers. The question for many is, what kind? Some business owners will hire full-time or part-time employees, while others will consider going the independent contractor route. Temps are another option. Each kind of ...

I know my blog has certainly helped me rise up. Other’s blogs have helped them rise up. I am going to an unconference that is going to focus on HR people who are interested in blogging. Someone may ask me if they should start a blog. In the past, my answer was an unhesitant yes. Of course you should. Why shouldn’t ...

A reader writes: I've worked at a large non-profit for 4 years. I've recently interviewed at another non-profit and expect that they will make a job offer soon. I'm concerned about how I'll resign if offered the new job, and I'd appreciate your advice based on the following: * My manager and vice president constantly say they don't want to be ...

The media coverage of exRBS chief Sir Fred Goodwin's huge pension pot triggered much debate about the connection between performance and remuneration. But 'Fred the Shred' is far from alone in securing enviable rewards for failure. Research in September 2008 by corporate remuneration consultancy Patterson Associates found that CEOs of under-performing FTSE 100 companies tended to earn more than those delivering ...

A reader writes: I have recently been on two interviews with a company. "When can you start" and "will this salary be acceptable" have been discussed. My issue is that my former employer of 12 years has a strict reference policy that only allows them to confirm dates of employment and salary. I provided additional references at the potential new employer's ...

Employers can be very choosy. With about six unemployed people for every posted job, hirers have the luxury of large, and often quite talented, applicant pools. And, boy, is that frustrating the applicants. In the quest to find the perfect hire, many employers are putting candidates through hours, days or even weeks of tests, interviews, presentations and tryouts. Many job hunters ...

A reader writes: I work at a small company for now. 3 and a half people (the half being a part time contractor). There is no HR. The boss is HR. I have had several therapy sessions trying to figure him out. My therapist thinks he is an attention-deficit narcissist. He won't apologize, take responsibility, or listen. He disregards years and ...

It's a tough job market out there, no question about that, but this downturn will pass. When? How? I don't know, but tough times call for a tough, flexible attitude.There isn't time for self-pity or feeling like a victim. I encourage you to find the emotional support you need to keep you from spiraling down. These are trying times, but remember, ...

Oct. 22--Launched Wednesday, the new Women's Economic Security Campaign will be advocating nationwide to help women and female heads of household rise out of poverty and tap into job opportunities created by the emerging "green economy." "Good jobs for women are not only critical for family economic stability, they are a key component of lasting economic recovery for our nation," WESC ...

Oct. 19--A murky economy has local job seekers using any and all tools at their disposal to find employment and get an edge over the competition. Online social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and LinkedIn have meant salvation for a growing number of unemployed people. Old ways of finding work, such as mass-mailing physical resumes and combing newspaper ads, have ...

A reader writes: I was just terminated from my job. I was five days before being off probation and two days away from my first big job event (I plan and run conferences). Without any prior notice, meeting, or confrontation, I was ushered into my department head’s office and told that in order to make a strong team, she needed to ...

If you're a hiring manager, you've seen a variety of colorful job candidates and heard many interesting answers, creative excuses and witnessed strange interview behaviors that have left you exhausted and ready to tear your hair out, if you aren't already bald from the stress. As for interviewees, it isn't that much easier for you either. Your lack of success ...

Oct. 16--CUMBERLAND -- Living with today's economy is hard and finding a job is even harder. Though the weather wasn't very pleasant Thursday, many people came out to the One-Stop Job Center in hopes of finding employment at the job fair. "I've been out of a job since November of last year," said Oldtown resident Sharon McBride. "It's a little more ...