On The Job

SEPTEMBER 27, 2021

Have you ever had someone yell at you at work? It's not fun. It's happened to me, and I can tell you that it was not a pleasant experience. What should you do if a colleague yells at you while on the job? You need to: 1. Stand up for yourself. Some people might not be able to do this, or may be so shocked in the moment that they can't respond to the person yelling.

UPS 234

UPS 234

On The Job

AUGUST 9, 2021

The worst mistake you can make in a job interview is trying to "wing it." Whatever you do, don't walk into the room unprepared. No matter your level of experience or the skills you possess, interviewing well requires preparation and practice, and those who are willing to do the work are much more likely to receive a job offer.

Interviewing 130

Interviewing Skills 130

On The Job

JULY 19, 2021

Traditionally, employment gaps on resumes have been a source of concern to hiring managers. Some recruiters assumed that people with resume gaps might be bad employees or undesirable — and therefore unhireable — for some other reason. Even for women who took time off to raise children, employment gaps could spell trouble during a job search. The pandemic may have turned this old thinking on its head.

Resume 130

Resume Management 130

On The Job

JUNE 14, 2021

When interviewing for a job, it's always a good idea to pay attention when you get a tour of the workplace and meet other employees. During this time, you want to look for red flags -- the things that indicate that employees are unhappy or that the workplace has a toxic atmosphere. (Some indications include workers who never smile or make eye contact, rundown facilities, lack of clarity regarding advancement, etc.

Equipment 130

Equipment Interviewing 130

On The Job

MAY 24, 2021

I'm often the dumbest person on a Zoom call. Seriously. I talk to a lot of people who are experts in their field (data science, AI, global supply chains) and I rely on their expertise to educate me so that I can write a story and inform others. So, I ask a lot of questions. I try to do my homework before I interview someone, but I still have to ask a lot of questions because I can't assume anything.

Interviewing 137

Interviewing Networking Learning Skills 137

On The Job

APRIL 26, 2021

If you've ever watched any of the cable news shows, you know that it seems whoever talks the most -- and the loudest -- seems to win. But it appears that such a strategy doesn't work in negotiations, according to new study. The study finds that during negotiations, periods of silence foster a more deliberative mindset because we interrupt our fixed mindset thinking.

Negotiating 130

Negotiating 130

On The Job

MARCH 29, 2021

"Tell me about yourself" is the most common interview question asked of job candidates, which is why it's a good idea that you come up with a great answer. First, know that many interviewers use this as an ice breaker, a chance to establish rapport, whether it's for an in-person interview or over the phone. Second, don't try and wing it. Since you know there's a really good chance you're going to be asked this question, you need to think about what you want to convey to this employer in a few se

Interviewing 188

Interviewing Resume Skills Phones 188

On The Job

MARCH 8, 2021

One of the features of social media that people seem to appreciate is the ability to block or unfollow or mute people who annoy them or disagree with them. This creates of a much more tranquil online experience as it means that you're only interacting with people who you consider "nice" or who agree with you. Unfortunately, that's not the best strategy for your career, says Adam Grant, author of "Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know.

Social Media 152

Social Media Networking Management UPS 152

On The Job

FEBRUARY 15, 2021

When you're in a job search -- or land a new job -- one of the key ingredients for your career is to make sure you write letters of appreciation. These letters should be written to those who have given you recommendations -- either in writing or via phone calls to potential employers -- and to anyone else who has helped you along the way. (This may also include a mentor who has offers advice, a former co-worker who provides a contact or even a supportive colleague.

Mentoring 145

Mentoring Promotion Phones Management 145

On The Job

JANUARY 25, 2021

As the job market opens up, the competition for jobs is going to be pretty tough. Those who are unemployed or underemployed are going to be vying for positions with millions of others. So how can you stand out to employers and beat the competition? It's not difficult -- but it will take some preparation and effort. Here are some ideas: 1. Clean up your social media.

Resume 130

Resume Interviewing Social Media Skills 130

On The Job

NOVEMBER 16, 2020

Even though you may have more phone or Zoom interviews during your current job search because of the pandemic, the basics of job searching remain the same: do your homework on an employer so you're prepared for an interview; dress appropriately; ask questions -- and always, always, always send a thank-you note. I cannot tell you how many hiring managers say that they're always impressed by thank-you notes, and how it helps candidates stand out.

Interviewing 156

Interviewing Etiquette Gifts Forms 156

On The Job

OCTOBER 26, 2020

The standard advice when you're unemployed is to be evasive about that fact when applying for new jobs. Why? Because employers don't want to hire someone who is unemployed, believing that something is "wrong" with someone who is jobless or that the candidate will seize any job that is offered, whether it's truly wanted it or not. Of course, this advice flew out the window when the Great Recession hit more than a decade ago, and the same is true now.

Training 130

Training Goals Skills UPS 130

On The Job

SEPTEMBER 28, 2020

When working remotely -- or working onsite with a reduced team -- it can be difficult to navigate interpersonal relationships with your colleagues or bosses. The casual interactions throughout the day, the meetings where general announcements are made and all the dozens of other ways that you learn and grow your career are gone for now. While this is difficult for seasoned workers, imagine how hard it must be for newbies.

Email 137

Email Filing Google Stress 137

On The Job

AUGUST 3, 2020

During these months of quarantining, working from home, juggling new schedules and home situations and just trying to remember what day it is, it can be tough to think about anything good that can come from this pandemic. I'm not going to try and sugarcoat that "every cloud has its silver lining," blah, blah, blah. I don't want to offer empty platitudes that might make you feel worse.

Gossip 137

Gossip Collaborate Skills Home Office 137

On The Job

JULY 20, 2020

Even before the pandemic, getting to know someone was difficult. Whether it was a new co-worker, a client or even a boss, finding the right mix of friendly small talk without crossing professional boundaries was a sometimes difficult balancing act. But now, we have masks that cover our faces during face-to-face conversations, or contend with bad phone connections or video conferencing that can make small talk even more challenging.

Phones 137

Phones UPS 137

On The Job

JUNE 22, 2020

If you're still working from home, you need to start preparing to return to your workplace. The thought may fill you with dread. Maybe you love working from home. Maybe you're scared of catching COVID-19 when you return to work. Maybe you're just getting used to your new routine and the thought of commuting and going back to your co-workers fills you with anxiety.

Clothes 148

Clothes Medical Stress Filing 148

On The Job

JUNE 15, 2020

Lately, we've all started taking a much closer look at toxic behavior in the workplace. People like Anna Wintour and Roger Lynch at Conde Nast are among those high-powered bosses who are being cited as intolerant and cruel. Employees and even co-workers are no longer afraid to talk about poor behavior that has affected them personally and professionally.

Gossip 177

Gossip Learning UPS 177

On The Job

MAY 25, 2020

With more than 36.4 million people filing jobless claims as of May 9 as a result of COVID-19 , competition for jobs is fierce. But, there are still plenty of opportunities available. Many industries, like grocery stores and delivery services, have thousands of job openings in the United States right now, and are hiring urgently. The task for job seekers applying for these positions is to find ways to stand out from the crowd to land one of these jobs.

Filing 130

Filing Interviewing 130

On The Job

MAY 4, 2020

Since people began working from home due to the coronavirus pandemic, much has been written about how this is a trend here to stay -- more of us will now work from home and our companies will love it because workers will be more productive and it will save on commercial real estate costs. Hold on. I've been covering such stories for a long (long) time, since technology made it possible for someone to stay connected to the office via a phone and PC.

Telecommuting 145

Telecommuting Interviewing Promotion Phones 145

On The Job

APRIL 6, 2020

If you've never heard of an applicant tracking system, you need to become very familiar with it if you're one of the millions of Americans who is looking for another job after losing yours in the pandemic. An applicant tracking system (ATS) is used by nearly 40 percent of employers to screen candidates for job openings. This technology is designed to help employers eliminate those who are unqualified for certain positions.

Resume 145

Resume PDF Filing Interviewing 145

On The Job

MARCH 30, 2020

In the coming weeks and months you're going to hear a lot about "transferable skills." Transferable skills are those abilities that you can use in a variety of jobs: communication, organization and teamwork. They may also include things like customer service, or familiarity with some software programs. The reason these skills are going to become so important is that as millions of workers try to get back to work once the COVID-19 pandemic is under control, they are going to need to apply for job

Skills 152

Skills Cover Letter Customer Service Resume 152

On The Job

FEBRUARY 3, 2020

We're barely into 2020, and a lot of you are feeling overwhelmed at work. You had such great plans for this year. You were going to get organized. You were going to network with those in other departments. You were going to come up with an innovative idea and present it to the boss. So far, the most you've accomplished is whittling your inbox down to less than 300 unanswered emails and finally removed the rotting coffee grounds from your coffee cup.

Confidence 163

Confidence 2020 Phones Networking 163

On The Job

JANUARY 20, 2020

Is there anything more frustrating than to be told: "Come up with a really creative idea/solution to this problem. Oh, and we need it right now." Creativity often isn't something that you can turn off and on like a switch. Sometimes the best ideas don't hit you until you're taking a shower or doing something really inane to have an "aha!" moment. But new research from Stanford Graduate School of Business provides some insight into the creative process, which might prove useful when we're under p

UPS 183

UPS 183

On The Job

JANUARY 13, 2020

No matter how successful you may be in your career, it's not unusual to feel like an imposter. "Imposter syndrome" is a real thing, and I've met many (very successful) people who have it. According to Harvard Business Review, imposter syndrome "can be defined as a collection of feelings of inadequacy that persist despite evident success." Those who suffer from this condition have such chronic self-doubt that they see themselves as intellectual frauds, failing to enjoy their successes or external

Self Esteem 130

Self Esteem Assertiveness Confidence Stress 130

On The Job

JANUARY 6, 2020

If you're like me and would like to begin 2020 by eliminating negativity from your life, then you're going to have to deal with those people at work who get on your last nerve. You know exactly who I mean: the colleagues or bosses who love to manipulate others or are uncivil. They never say "please" or "thank you" and if they can find a way to insert a discouraging or mean-spirited thought into any discussion, they do it.

2020 130

2020 UPS 130

On The Job

DECEMBER 30, 2019

I wrote the following story on how those with a criminal record can get a job, but these tips apply to any job seeker -- highlight transferable skills, network and be prepared to talk about what you can bring to an employer. While more than two dozen states and 150 cities have adopted initiatives to give people with criminal records a fair shot at employment, that doesn't mean those who were formally incarcerated won't have to eventually address the issue in an interview or explain why they have

Resume 130

Resume Interviewing Networking Skills 130

On The Job

DECEMBER 23, 2019

From July 2007 to July 2008, more than 10,000 people left Las Vegas as the unemployment rate in the metro area skyrocketed to more than 12 percent and home prices plunged by 30 percent. It was a grim time. Thousands of workers who filled construction jobs left the state in search of a way to survive the Great Recession. Fast forward to 2019, and Las Vegas is once again experiencing a construction boom.

2019 130

2019 2007 2008 Forms 130

On The Job

DECEMBER 16, 2019

If you want to be successful in finding a job after you graduate from college, be prepared to do some homework. What? You thought your homework days were over? Not so, say hiring managers and other experts. First, you need to make sure that you craft your resume and cover letter for each job so that you're highlighting as many of the skills as possible that the employer is seeking.

Cover Letter 130

Cover Letter Interviewing Resume Skills 130

On The Job

SEPTEMBER 23, 2019

There's a reason so many people have their heads bowed during a presentation: They're either asleep or playing "Words With Friends" on their phones. This is a broad generalization, and my apologies to those who really are listening to the speaker. But be honest with yourself: When was the last time you listened raptly to a presentation from beginning to end?

Phones 106

Phones UPS 106

On The Job

JULY 29, 2019

It's a familiar complaint among managers: They aren't as productive as they would like to be because they're constantly interrupted by the demands of others. They have to solve problems that seem to crop up constantly, they are required to attend endless meetings and their own bosses seem to need them for something several times a day. Now a new study of 20,000 managers on six continents by Robert Pozen, senior lecturer at the MIT Sloan School of Management, sheds some light on how some managers

Management 100

Management Stress Email UPS 100

On The Job

JULY 10, 2019

I was not surprised 10 years ago when many job applicants told me of their frustration when employers refused to even acknowledge their applications or let them know where they stood in the interview process. At that time, there were way more workers than available jobs, and the employers held all the cards. So, many ignored the polite follow-up emails from interviewees, and scoffed at the thought of sending a "thank you for your application" note.

Legal 111

Legal Resume Interviewing Email 111

On The Job

JULY 1, 2019

"Far too many poor decisions rest on knee-jerk responses. Don't let fast emails become the enemy of good decisions." This is some of the advice in Dianna Booher's new book, "Faster, Fewer, Better Emails." Booher addresses how some emails are too long -- and how some are too short. I think we all know the problem with long emails, but can you be too brief?

Email 106

Email 106

On The Job

JUNE 5, 2019

When you're job searching, the advice is to "clean up your social media presence." But what does that mean, exactly? For example, when you were told to clean up your room as a kid, my hunch is that your version of "clean" was a lot different than your mom's. So, what you consider offensive online today may be a whole lot different than what will raise a red flag with a hiring manager.

Social Media 197

Social Media UPS Twitter Facebook 197

On The Job

MAY 27, 2019

I remember the first time I wrote a cover letter for a job. It went something like this: "I'd really like to work for you. I'm sending you my resume." In my defense, I was pretty young and inexperienced. But, it still was a lousy cover letter and I cringe when I think about it. Please don't do what I did. Writing a cover letter is important. It needs to spark the interest of the employer and show a little of your personality and why you're drawn to the job or the industry.

Cover Letter 100

Cover Letter Resume 100

On The Job

MAY 8, 2019

A Robert Half survey finds that six in 10 workers in a variety of fields and industries say they've received two or more job offers simultaneously when applying for jobs. When weighing their decision, candidates say they look at salary, benefits, advancement potential, commute and the job's responsibilities or challenges. Those are all important criteria, but it doesn't always make the choice a no-brainer.

Salary 100

Salary Phones Management Email 100

On The Job

MAY 1, 2019

When was the last time you wrote a thank-you note? I'm not talking about an email or a text. I'm talking about a handwritten note to someone expressing your appreciation or gratitude. The kind, you know, that has to have a stamp and be put in that thing known as a mailbox. For many people, the last time they wrote such a missive may be when they were in school (elementary).

Promotion 106

Promotion Networking Email 106

On The Job

APRIL 22, 2019

We all spend a lot of time at work, and some days it feels like a family get-together gone horribly wrong. You're tired of hearing about your colleague's bratty daughter. You don't want to be pulled into any more conversations about "Game of Thrones." You don't want to have 10-minute debate about the best font for email. But unlike bad family times where you can go to your bedroom and slam the door -- or at least get in your car and drive away -- you're stuck at work.

Training 160

Training Email UPS 160