Anything Goes When You're Interviewing Abroad

What to Expect from a Job Interview in a Foreign Country
by Jeff Yang, Portfolio.com

In Mexico, job applicants are routinely required to provide their height and weight. In Japan, a candidate may be asked about his or her father's career path, and whether he's a "productive member of society." In China, recruiters might inquire what hotel candidates are staying at and what class of travel they took -- with candidates rejected for being too "delicate" or "impulsive." The bottom line: Americans looking for jobs abroad should assume that no question is out of bounds.

"You may think there are ground rules based on your experience in the U.S., but be prepared to drop all that," says Melanie Kusin of Heidrick & Struggles. "If you're going to be defensive about discussing anything, don't bother going out for the interview." Here are a few specific areas of inquiry to be ready for.

Testing Torture

Multiple interviews over a period that may last weeks or even months as managers typically spend more time vetting foreign job candidates. In Western Europe especially, you should expect a battery of written tests that might include intelligence assessments, personality analyses, evaluations of cultural competence, and "situational exercises" where you're asked to role-play or simulate an aspect of the job for which you're being considered.

Six Degrees of Interrogation

Requests to detail any connections you might have with existing employees -- not to vaccinate against nepotism, but, on the contrary, to explore what common ground you might have with the incumbent team. "The value of 'inside contacts' is much more pronounced in countries outside of the U.S.," says Rebecca Powers, a consultant with Mercer. "It's not just name-dropping, it's an established part of the recruitment process. In Japan, for instance, employers initially target recruits who are known by current employees, or who have the same educational history as current employees, because they want people with similar values and backgrounds." Inside contacts are also particularly valued in Western Europe, where personal references and connections can play a make-or-break role in hiring.

Going Beyond Borders

Inquiries designed to assess if you're too "American" for the position. "Employers are on the lookout for people who aren't culturally adaptable," says Kusin. Do your homework first, she emphasizes, which means knowing the culture and the lifestyle changes you'll have to make in order to adjust to the new market; the typical American attitude that everywhere else in the world is just like the U.S. is a major handicap when applying for jobs abroad. Kusin recalls meeting with an executive with a major global advertising agency who was interested in pursuing a position based in South Africa. "She said to me, 'It's a perfect fit -- they speak English over there!'" says Kusin. "My first thought was, 'Wow, if that's your attitude, you really don't have what it takes to do this.'"

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Are You Ready to Be Your Own Boss?

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


America is a country built on an entrepreneurial spirit. People have been coming here for hundreds of years to realize their professional dreams, in large part because the U.S. is very small-business-friendly. In fact, small businesses make up a significant portion of employers in this country, and three-quarters of business firms have no payroll, as they are operated by self-employed professionals (source: U.S. Census Bureau).

If you've got dreams of joining the ranks of small business owners, ask yourself these five questions to see if you've got what it takes.

1. Are you committed?

The path to entrepreneurial success can be a long one. According to the Small Business Association, more than half of small businesses fail within five years, for a variety of reasons. It's important to be committed to the success and longevity of your business. There may be pitfalls and problems along the way, but if you're dedicated to staying the course, your odds for success will greatly increase.

2. Are you bold?

When you're in business for yourself, you have to sell yourself. There's no room for meekness when you're an entrepreneur. If you don't think you can talk your company up to potential clients, don't bother starting a company.

3. Are you disciplined?

You may have performed great at your last job, with a supervisor cracking a whip and establishing clear expectations. But will you be able to garner the same results when working independently?

Assess your level of self-discipline and organization before undertaking a solo venture. If you're not sure, take on some consulting or freelance work to see how you perform.

4. Are you financially secure?

Many businesses (not all) aren't immediately profitable. If you lack funding, a nest egg, financial support from a partner or spouse, or another way of generating a salary, this may not be the best time to strike out on your own.

Seek out investors or small business loans so you have a cushion. Save up or suck it up and get a part-time job to supplement your earnings (and perhaps even provide you with medical benefits) while you grow your business beyond its early days.

If you're not realistic about your financial needs, your business won't have a realistic chance of succeeding.

5. Are you experienced?

Lack of experience and knowledge about specific business practices are just two reasons new businesses fail soon after being founded. Make sure that you've got the know-how and hands-on experience to operate the business you're planning.

If you're opening a small store, your odds for success will increase if you've actually worked at a small store, preferably in management. A love of the product you're selling isn't enough; you need to understand every aspect of operations -- payroll and taxes, marketing, distribution, insurance, client relations -- before opening your company.

Learning as you go when you start a job is fine; learning as you go when you start a business is a recipe for disaster and failure.

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Find the Job That Is Right for You

by Robert M. Detman, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Some people were born knowing what they wanted to do. For the rest of us, it may require years of education and amassing a multi-page resume. Defining your personal job nirvana requires many considerations, but some tips below may help you find the job that is right for you.

The Self-Knowledge Base

Define the terms. "We can't possibly find satisfaction and fulfillment if we don't first define it," says Marilyn Walker, founder and managing director of the Right Turn on Red Career Assessment Center. People must define their standards of success, and then they need to look inward to assess their strengths and weaknesses, and decide what they are passionate about. "It's only work when you don't like doing it every day," Walker says.

Brainstorm. "Start picking your successful friends' brains," suggests Mike Beasley, an executive and career development coach. Ask friends to meet with you to discuss ideas and to help you focus on your career options. In some cases, your friends will have a keen insight on what your likes and dislikes are, so Beasley suggests you take notes while you meet. "Follow those threads. Think of the search as a scavenger hunt."

Test yourself. Career assessment tests, such as the Myers-Briggs Career Report and MAPP (Motivational Appraisal of Personal Potential), can provide objective data about one's hidden strengths. Career tests can help clarify one's aptitude, personal interests, and various personality factors.

"These assessments are similar to what many employers are utilizing today, and they help the individual consider the many dimensions that will contribute to satisfaction," career assessment director Walker says.

The Focused Search

Target. "Get organized and put your thoughts down on paper," suggests Bob Basile, of Career Coaching, Inc. He stresses that these ideas can be considered "buckets" into which you categorize and organize your preferences, allowing you to target ideas and weed out the unlikely paths.

Research. A wide variety of job and profession data -- who's hiring, trends, economics -- is available. "There are companies such as Wetfeet.com and Vault.com that do industry research," Basile says. In addition, a search on the Bureau of Labor and Statistics or the salary calculator on Yahoo! HotJobs can provide salary information based on education and experience levels.

Get in touch. "Informationally network," Basile says. "Once you have chosen which 'buckets' are most appealing to you and you have done your homework, it is now time to speak to people within these industries." Also look to your immediate resources, gathering information from friends and their contacts.

Follow through. Finally, career coach Basile advises that after you have selected your ideal job and have prepared yourself to go for it, you will still have to land that job, and perseverance is essential. "Don't assume a company isn't hiring because they don't have a job posted."

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Holiday Party Fouls Die Hard

Eat, Drink, and Be Wary
by Tom Musbach, Yahoo! HotJobs


Mistletoe and egg nog help make the holiday season festive, but they can lead to crazy behavior that coworkers talk about for years after the holiday work party is over.

In fact, a recent survey of creative professionals turned up some outrageous examples that they heard about or witnessed at company events. Here are some of the incidents:

    * "One guy ate the carnations from our dinner table."
    * "An employee fell into a cake at the company dinner."
    * "One person did an unflattering imitation of the company president."
    * "One colleague set another's wig on fire while it was on her head."

The quotes above were gathered in a survey by The Creative Group, a specialized staffing service for marketing, advertising, creative and Web professionals.

The behaviors described in those quotes are not stunts you should try at your holiday work party.

You Are Being Watched

"Company events are meant to be fun, but employees must remember their actions are still on display for coworkers and supervisors to see," said Dave Willmer, executive director of The Creative Group. "Inappropriate behavior can make a lasting negative impression that's hard to overcome."

"Party fouls" can lead to outcomes worse than momentary humiliation, such as firing. But a review of simple precautions and etiquette can help you have fun and keep your job, not to mention your dignity.

Be Merry and Wise

The staffing specialists offer the following tips for making a good impression:

Dress the part. A professional function usually demands professional attire. Avoid clothes that are too revealing or too tight. If you would not be comfortable wearing it to work, reconsider wearing it to the party.

Mix it up. Events outside the workplace are good for socializing with people you don't mingle with daily. Have a few topics of general interest at the ready -- such as recent movies or holiday plans -- to help prevent feeling awkward.

Eat a bite beforehand. Try to avoid coming to the party on an empty stomach. You'll be better able to focus on the people around you if you're not monopolizing the buffet table.

Limit libations. Alcohol will erode your good judgment. Stay safe by keeping your consumption to one or two cocktails, or don't drink alcohol at all.

End on a high note. Do not be the first or last person to leave the party, and be sure to thank the hosts or those who organized the event.

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Conversation Minefields on the Job

How to Handle Inappropriate Speech at Work
by Larry Buhl, for Yahoo! HotJobs

At some time, someone probably warned you to avoid three subjects in polite conversation: sex, religion, and politics. Add gossip, racial matters, and bragging to the list, and you've got all the conversational minefields to avoid in the workplace.

Sometimes the most innocuous statements can cause offense: the accountant giving too much information about his date last weekend, the sales executive trashing a candidate or political party, or even the PR associate who can't stop gushing over his huge new house, beautiful car, or smart kids.

Business etiquette experts agree that there are several ways to confront inappropriate office speech without making the situation worse or endangering your own position. There are no hard rules for every situation, however. Your reaction, or non-reaction, should depend on what was said, who said it, and your own status in the company.

To Confront or Not Confront

If your coworker dropped a verbal bomb, experts suggest the following strategies:

* Don't confront. In many cases it's best to press the 'ignore button' and walk away, especially if you're in a group setting. "Sometimes people try to goad you into arguing about a divisive subject," said Andrea Nierenberg, networking expert and president of the Nierenberg Group.

"Often you can simply respond with, 'I hear what you're saying,' then quickly move on. And do it without getting upset. If you fight fire with fire, you'll surely get burned," she says.

* Confront, with caution. If you know the talker and can be fairly certain he won't blow up, bring up the remark later, away from a group setting, according to business etiquette expert Randall Hansen. "Say, 'Maybe that topic you brought up should be kept outside the office.' He may appreciate the advice because it will save him from future embarrassment in the office or with clients."

* Speak from the "I." If you're offended and feel a strong need to respond, don't make the speaker wrong, warns business etiquette consultant Hilka Klinkenberg. "Don't respond with, 'How dare you say that,' but rather, 'That comment made me feel uncomfortable.'"

A Bomb From Above

If your boss or other higher-up crosses the line, the situation is trickier -- you may have to weigh the options of making a point or keeping your job.

In fact, Hansen recommends not going to human resources about such an incident. "Too many times a company will circle the wagons to protect a boss, even when they should want to know about the incident to prevent lawsuits and foster a better environment."

However, it is perfectly legitimate to document the incident in case it becomes a more serious situation. "And if you have mentors in the company who are on the boss' level or higher, tell them and let them approach the boss," Hansen says.

Being a Good Manager

On the other hand, if you're in a supervisory or management position, don't "press ignore" after hearing inappropriate comments.

"It's part of your responsibility to model and lead and set an example," says Hilka Klinkenberg. "If you let remarks slide you could open yourself and the company to liability issues around harassment and discrimination." Still, you should approach the speaker with tact and without anger, she suggests.

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Career Do's and Don'ts from 2007

Real-Life Lessons From Leaders and Celebrities
by Tom Musbach, Yahoo! HotJobs


Stars like Matt Damon, Oprah Winfrey, and Rosie O'Donnell are just a few of the public figures whose actions in 2007 -- good or bad -- offer career lessons for us all.

Whether it was bravely stepping out on "Dancing With the Stars" or getting fired for romancing a subordinate, understanding the six do's and don'ts below can help you move your career forward next year.

DO leverage your strengths. Matt Damon has long been known as a widely talented actor. This year, he built on the strength of his previous two "Bourne" films with his performance in the hugely successful "Bourne Ultimatum," bolstering his status as one of the most successful action-film stars in Hollywood.

"Finding out what you are good at and then working to get better at is a much more efficient use of your time and energy than trying to become a star in an area where you may not have much talent to begin with," says Richard Phillips, founder of Advantage Career Solutions.

DON'T use inappropriate language at work. Radio host Don Imus was fired from his longtime job for racially inflammatory language about the Rutgers women's basketball team.

"In general, steer clear of topics involving sex, drugs, race, and politics. Even if you think a comment is perfectly innocuous, someone else may very well see it differently," says Alexandra Levit, author of "They Don't Teach Corporate in College." "Once people perceive you as crass, sexist, or prejudiced, no amount of hard work in the world will restore your reputation in that organization."

DO acknowledge mistakes and take action to learn from them. After an abuse scandal surfaced at Oprah Winfrey's school for girls in South Africa, the talk-show host accepted responsibility for "inadequate" employee screening. She also traveled to the school to meet with parents and address their concerns.

Andrea Nierenberg, author of "Million Dollar Networking," says, "It takes a strong person to say, 'I was wrong,' and then to take the action to correct the problem. People respect you more and know that we all make mistakes -- yet it is an admirable person who goes the extra mile to quickly correct the mistake and take another action step."

DON'T get personally involved with a subordinate. The Red Cross ousted married CEO Mark Everson for having a personal relationship with one of his employees. The organization said the relationship showed "poor judgment" and damaged his credibility.

"Besides showing poor judgment, it is also unfair to the subordinate, whose career will likely be negatively impacted," says Phillips.

DO step outside your comfort zone. Racecar driver Helio Castroneves took a risk to learn ballroom dancing and perform on TV's "Dancing With the Stars." He backed it up with hard work and won the contest, opening up his career to new possibilities.

"Living in your safety zone year after year can make you stagnant and, well, boring," says Debra Davenport, a master professional mentor and career counselor. "If you're risk-averse, try conquering smaller challenges. Then, expand your horizons as you grow more comfortable. Who knows? You might even start your own business or embark on an entirely new and wonderful career!"

DON'T badmouth people who might be good references. Rosie O'Donnell's embattled tenure on "The View" ended prematurely this year, as her clashes with cohosts Elizabeth Hasselbeck and Barbara Walters were played out in the media.

"Rosie O'Donnell is your typical example of a workplace hothead -- someone who says exactly what they're thinking when they're thinking it regardless of the consequences," says Levit. "If you can't be diplomatic and communicate in a manner that shows that you respect others' points of view, colleagues won't want you around no matter how talented you are. 'The View' continues to offer examples (see last year's Star Jones mention) of how burning your bridges is never a good idea."

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Four Ways to Make Job Resolutions Work

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


Every January, millions of people make New Year's resolutions, many of which are work-related. Get a new job. Get a promotion. Get a raise.

Unfortunately, many of these vows will fall by the wayside before the end of the first month of the year. Folks lose momentum. Some get overwhelmed. And others lose their nerve. Use these tips to make your resolutions a lasting reality in 2008.

1. Be Clear About Your Intentions

Terry Wilson-Malam, a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC), believes that all resolutions must be born out of clarity if people are going to stay the course. She counsels clients to be as honest as possible about what they want. If you're not sure of what your intent is, Wilson-Malam suggests, "Start a log of your accomplishments, small and large over the past few years. Those things will tell you where you are and where you can go next."

Also, ask yourself what you want more and less of. Do you want more flexibility? Less stress? More responsibility? Fewer meetings? Keep a list of your intentions, as they will inform the action you need to take.

2. Make a Plan with Actionable Steps

"An action plan is absolutely imperative," says Wilson-Malam, owner of Wilson Malam Coaching and Consulting. Create a plan that works toward your goal, whether it's growing your network or looking for new work. Then, she advises breaking the plan down into actionable steps. "Focus on small steps that are realistic. If your plan is to network, choose events that you'll go to, but choose them carefully to make sure they are in line with your overall intentions."

The executive coach adds, "Getting promoted is a bit harder to be actionable about as compared to finding a new job. But you can learn to be in the right frame of mind -- think and act like a manager in certain situations at work to help you move toward your goal."

3. Measure Your Results

Results motivate changers to stick to their plans, so it's very important that you see measurable results as you adhere to your resolution. However, Wilson-Malam, says, "You have to be very clear as to what those results will be." This stems from having a straightforward plan of action and clarity on what you want to accomplish.

"Being able to tick off things from your action list can even be a result," she adds.

4. Stay Focused

It's easy to start the year with the best of intentions only to lose your nerve as your goal is within sight. Wilson-Malam says, "If you've been in a job for a long time, it's really easy to hate it but love what you know about it. A new search and a new job often mean more work and more time and going out of your comfort zone."

To muster courage, she urges job-changers to go back to their list of intentions. "If you look at that list and it reminds you that you're stagnating, that will make you less afraid of changing now."

She also suggests enlisting the help of a trusted confidante, a mentor, or a coach who can cheer you on and remind you why you undertook this challenge in the first place.

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Five Secrets of Successful Job Hunters

by Joe Turner, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Completing a 26-mile marathon race shares some characteristics with a successful job search.

There is one "winner" who crosses the finish line first. There are the many who quit before they've completed the race. Finally, there are the rest of us who don't finish first, but are determined to complete the race nevertheless.

For most of us, half the battle is finishing the race, regardless of where we place among the finishers. The same goes for a job search.

The Five Secrets

1. Visualize. Marathon runners and other goal-directed athletes are great at visualization. They set a goal and see themselves achieving it. The same applies for your job search. Set a goal and see yourself achieving it. No matter how many setbacks you have, hold that vision of the job you want. Continue to hold it.

Focus on the outcome you want, and not on how you're going to achieve it. Picture it in your mind. Be specific. What is your supervisor like? How about your co-workers? What is your workspace like? What hours do you work? Including your right brain in the imagination and visualization process enhances the achievement of your goal.

2. Be Persistent. Just as in running a marathon, nothing worth having is ever easy to achieve. There is a lot of rejection in job search. Sometimes it seems as if you'll never get a "yes." Remember what good sales people already know: that winning a sale, a job, or any other goal is a numbers game. Commission sales people will tell you that every "no" is one step closer to a "yes." When you can see your process from a more objective viewpoint, knowing that you're one more rejection closer to a "yes," you'll be less inclined to take the "no's" personally or get discouraged.

3. Replenish Yourself. The job search process, like a marathon race, can be an endurance test with a lot of disappointments and setbacks. It can also go on for weeks, months, and for some people, even a year or more. If you're going to outlast this process and prevail, you have to take care of yourself. This means taking time to relax to take your mind off the challenges, frustrations and rejections. Work hard on your job search, then take time out to exercise and pursue activities that bring you joy and replenish you.

4. Inoculate Yourself Against Negative Messages. Succeeding at a job search is a mental process, and negative input from anywhere can poison your mental outlook and encourage fear, discouragement, anxiety, anger, and other negative emotions. Associate with positive people and protect yourself from all types of negativity.

A job search can be a big undertaking. You need all of the assets and advantages that you can possibly bring to the party. You can't afford to be exposed to the negativity of others. This includes friends, relatives, and negative articles in newspapers and magazines as well as negative TV shows. Make a point of reading books and articles that motivate, encourage, and inspire you.

5. Meditate. This can be the most important secret, yet it can be very simple. Take some time every day to be still and to get away from the "white noise" of life. Whether you are a spiritual person or not, commit to some quiet time away from the noise of TV, radio, and other distractions. Give yourself the gift of quietness to contemplate, calm down, and center yourself. Even five minutes of quiet time can make a positive difference in your life. It will ground you and make it easier to face and overcome the stresses of your job search journey ahead.

As with successful marathoners, job hunters have some secret tactics that make their success look easy to others. Winning the job search game has a mental component. Developing the above five winning secret tactics will enhance your chances of success, and make the process more pleasant and less stressful.

As a recruiter, Joe Turner has spent the past 15 years finding and placing top candidates in some of the best jobs of their careers. Known on the Internet as "The Job Search Guy", Joe has also authored 'how-to' books on interviewing and job search. Discover more insider job search secrets at his site.

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Movies to Inspire Your Career Goals

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


Sometimes a film can make you see your career or your job search in a different light and move you to action. Try renting one of these chestnuts if you want a boost of inspiration.

"All the President's Men" (1976)
Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward (Robert Redford) and Carl Bernstein (Dustin Hoffman) know they've got a big story in Watergate. Unfortunately, they're the only ones who seem to know it. This story of single-minded pursuit of the truth can help you stay the course when times get tough during your search for opportunity.

"Coal Miner's Daughter" (1980)
Country singing star Loretta Lynn (Sissy Spacek) came from less-than-modest means to become the pride of Nashville. Success wasn't without its price, though, and Lynn suffered through heartaches, illnesses, losses, and a nervous breakdown. Despite these setbacks, her career survived and her frank, feminist songs remain influential to this day. This film's a great reminder that when you're down, there's only one way to go.

"Elizabeth" (1997)
Elizabeth I ruled England for more than 40 years, a time known as the Golden Age. But when she first ascended to the throne, she was just 25 and lacked any experience governing a divided nation on the brink of ruin. She stepped up and kept her head (figuratively and literally), learning to trust her instincts and manipulate her image. Even if you don't think you're ready, seize every opportunity when it arises.

"Field of Dreams" (1989)
Thinking about opening your own business? If you build it, they will come! Similar words haunted and inspired Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) when he built a baseball diamond in his cornfield. A lot of folks thought Ray was crazy and you may hear similar reactions, but if you believe in yourself, your venture may yield similar feel-good results.

"Invincible" (2006)
You're never too old or too amateur to pursue your professional dreams. Based on the true story of Vince Papale (Mark Wahlberg), a 30-year-old, down-on-his-luck bartender, who turns an open tryout into a football career with the Philadelphia Eagles, "Invincible" is guaranteed to put a lump in your throat and a fire in your belly to follow your dreams.

"It's a Wonderful Life" (1946)
Everyman George Bailey (James Stewart) wanted to be anything but. He was going to see the world and have adventures. Instead, he wound up running his family's banking business while other folks chased glory. Even if you're not curing cancer or jet-setting, Bailey's experiences reveal that no matter what we do for a living, we touch other people's lives.

"Rocky" (1976)
The ultimate underdog, Rocky Balboa (spoiler alert!) doesn't win the big fight, but he still manages to win everyone's heart (including Adrian's). The washed-up boxer goes from hack to hero in fifteen gory rounds against the champion and challenger Apollo Creed, and even though he's robbed by a decision, Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) emerges as the picture (albeit a bloody and nearly blinded one) of class and sportsmanship. A cinematic illustration of the idiom, "It's not whether you win or lose; it's how you play the game."

"Rudy" (1993)
How do you make a grown man cry? Put "Rudy" on. Another true-life tale, Daniel E. "Rudy" Ruettiger (Sean Astin) wants nothing more than to play football for Notre Dame. Trouble is, he lacks the grades, the skills, and the size to get him there. Good thing the kid's got heart. A great example of why you should always refuse to take no for an answer when it comes to your dreams -- no matter how many times you hear it.

"Seabiscuit" (2003)
Separately, Seabiscuit was a plucky, injury-ridden horse and Red Pollard (Tobey Maguire) was an impoverished jockey with one good eye. Together, they became one of horseracing's most legendary pairs. What they lacked in breeding, they made up for in chemistry, mutual devotion, and dogged determination in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, proving that sometimes all you need is someone to believe in you.

"Working Girl" (1988)
Whether your stumbling block to success is big hair or a bad outfit, you can take a lesson from tough Tess McGill (Melanie Griffith). She shows the tenacity it takes to answer when opportunity knocks. Sure, she gets knocked around. But in the end, she gets a corner office on Wall Street -- and Harrison Ford. Isn't that worth a few lumps?

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How to Relaunch Your Career in the New Year

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


Was 2007 a professional bust for you? Was your career stuck in neutral? Never fear, the new year is here, and with it comes endless possibilities for growth, upward mobility, and more.

Deborah Brown-Volkman, a certified professional coach, says, "What's great about the new year is that it's like a do-over. You've completed the last year, and now you can start all over again."

Regain Your Focus

The first step in reviving a stagnant career is to regain your focus. Finding it begins with identifying what you want, according to Brown-Volkman, who's been coaching clients for almost 10 years.

"Ask yourself what you want, what you want to be different this year. Start listening to yourself. Do you want a better relationship with your boss? A leadership role at your company? A new job altogether? You have to get clear on what you want," she counsels.

If identifying what you want is too intimidating or overwhelming, Brown-Volkman suggests figuring out what you don't want as a way of backing into your professional desires. Ultimately, knowing what you want, she says, "will give you focus."

Make an Action Plan

Next, you must formulate an action plan and follow through it. Don't wait for opportunity to knock on your door, warns Brown-Volkman. "People wait for it to come to them, but they have to start moving toward it. Action is what builds momentum."

As you move toward your big picture goals, there are small actions that can help you move forward. "Changing your attitude will make a big difference. If you focus on the bad, it will be bad for you. Focus on the positive and that will give you energy."

Eliminate Clutter

"Clean your desk," she adds. "That's such a big thing in terms of helping folks focus and get clear."

Brown-Volkman also believes professionals can change the way they work. "Stop answering emails one by one -- set up specific times during the day to address them. Also, if you're on a roll, don't answer the phone every time it rings, unless it's your boss. The constant interruptions will derail your focus and make you feel less efficient."

Get the Necessary Support

If your plan for advancement involves your boss, be sure you position it properly to her. Coach Brown-Volkman reveals, "When enlisting your supervisor's support, you have to make sure you focus on what's important to your boss and the company. If it's all about you, it won't work." If you feel isolated in your job or your quest for change, enlist the people around you. "Reach out to your colleagues for support," she says.

Brown-Volkman urges everyone to start the new year with a new plan for their career. "People who are unhappy are people who feel trapped, who haven't created a game plan for what's next. Any time you don't have a bigger picture in mind, the day-to-day gets to you, and your career can come to a standstill."

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Do You Really Deserve That Job?

Clearing Doubts About Your Competence
by Heather Boerner, for Yahoo! Hot Jobs


Applying for your dream job is a thrilling prospect. But if you're like 70 percent of Americans, you may feel like you don't deserve to get that dream job. The application process could make you feel, ironically, like a fraud.

"People who identify with the 'impostor syndrome' feel they've somehow 'fooled' others into thinking they're smarter and more capable than they believe themselves to be," says Valerie Young, who does workshops on the syndrome. "They have a skewed definition of competence. As a result, they hold back and don't go after that killer job they really want."

But the impostor syndrome doesn't have to handicap your chances to advance. Instead, consider these tips to have -- and enjoy -- the career of your dreams.

Get Clear

Before you apply for your dream job, figure out what triggers fraud feelings:

• Are there parts of your job you don't think you do well?
• Are there parts of your dream job that you don't think you're qualified for?
• Are there parts of the job search process that scare you? Which ones?

"A lot of people will look at a list of job qualifications and even if they have eight of 10, they won't apply," she said. "I used to work for a Fortune 500 company and have been on the other side of the interview desk. You don't have to know how to do all of it. You just need to know 40 percent. The rest you can learn on the job."

Get Help

Once you know what's holding you back, seek advice from a coach, a mentor, or trusted colleague with expertise you need.

"Instead of seeing it as a sign of ineptness, use it as an opportunity to grow your knowledge," says Young.

"As confident as I feel in my career as a presenter, if Oprah called me tomorrow to be a guest on her show, I'd be panicked. But I wouldn't squander the opportunity," Young says. "I'd hire someone to get me very well prepared. Figure out what you need -- more time to prepare, coaching -- instead of saying, 'It's me. Everyone else is competent.'"

Track Your Successes

"Keep an 'effort and accomplishment journal' to record your accomplishments -- no matter how small -- for example, coming up with a great idea at a meeting that day," says Young. "Track small steps you took or other ways you put in the effort to achieve your goals."

Ask Questions

"At the interview, ask your own questions," says Diane Zorn, who researches the phenomenon among high-achieving academics. This will help you assess and avoid workplaces that make employees:

    * Feel isolated.
    * Participate in cutthroat competitiveness.
    * Figure the job out as they go. There's no mentoring.
    * Base success on what they produce, not how they work.

Any of the above factors on its own isn't enough to cause impostor feelings. But together, they're a dangerous combination.

"Ask, 'Am I going to get mentoring? Will I get training? Will I be part of a team?'" she says. "That's self-care for the employee, and the employer is going to respect that."

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Three Signs of a Miserable Job

by Tom Musbach, Yahoo! HotJobs


"Awful," "dreary," and "miserable" are adjectives that many people use to describe their jobs at one time or another. Dissatisfaction on the job is common and often temporary. But not many people take time to analyze what makes a job miserable, and how to fix it.

Fortunately Patrick Lencioni has done much of that work in his book "The Three Signs of a Miserable Job."

Job Misery Is Universal

The author notes that a "miserable" job differs from a "bad" job, as one person's dream job may not appeal to another worker. A miserable job, however, has some universal traits.

"A miserable job makes a person cynical and frustrated and demoralized when they go home at night," Lencioni says. "It drains them of their energy, their enthusiasm, and self-esteem. Miserable jobs can be found in every industry and at every level."

Lencioni blames much of the problem on managers, who are a key factor in the job satisfaction (or dissatisfaction) of their employees. A recent Yahoo! HotJobs survey points to a similar conclusion: 43% of workers said discontent with their boss was the main reason they planned to look for a new job in 2008.

The Three Signs

Lencioni identifies the three signs of job misery as anonymity, irrelevance, and "immeasurement."

Anonymity: Employees feel anonymous when their manager has little interest in them as people with unique lives, aspirations, and interests.

Irrelevance: This condition occurs when workers cannot see how their job makes a difference. "Every employee needs to know that the work they do impacts someone's life -- a customer, a coworker, even a supervisor -- in one way or another."

Immeasurement: This term describes the inability of employees to assess for themselves their contributions or success. As a result they often rely on the opinions of others -- usually the manager -- to measure their success.

Three Remedies for Job Misery

For workers who may be experiencing the signs of job misery, Lencioni recommends three steps to improve the boss-employee dynamic and enhance job satisfaction.

1. Assess your manager. Is the boss interested in and capable of addressing the three factors mentioned above? "Most managers really do want to improve, in spite of the fact that they may seem disinterested or too busy," Lencioni says.

2. Help your manager understand what you need. This could mean reviewing with your manager what the key measurements for success are for your job. Lencioni also suggests asking your boss, "Can you help me understand why this work I'm doing makes a difference to someone?"

3. Act more like the manager you want. "Employees who take a greater interest in the lives of their managers are bound to infect them with the same kind of human interest they seek," the author says. Or find ways to let your manager know how his or her performance makes a positive difference for you.

Be Realistic

Richard Phillips, founder of Career Advantage Solutions, agrees that "managing up" is a good way to improve job satisfaction, but he cautions employees to be realistic in their expectations.

"Managers are not mind readers," he says. "Take the responsibility to communicate upon yourself, and remember there has to be an ongoing dialogue, or change is unlikely to happen."

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Staying on Track to Get Your Bonus

by Margaret Steen, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Bonus time has come and gone, and yours wasn't as large as you were hoping (if you even got one). Where did you go wrong -- and what can you do now to make sure that next year you get a healthy bonus check?

You first need to make sure you understand how your bonus was determined. Often, individual bonuses are based on a combination of the company's performance and the individual's performance.

What Goes Into a Bonus

The company performance part of the calculation "isn't usually all or nothing," says Laurie Bienstock, practice leader for strategic rewards at Watson Wyatt Worldwide, a human resources consulting firm. Generally, the company has to meet a certain financial threshold before it will pay any bonuses at all. After that, it scales up to 100 percent of the planned bonus money -- or even more, if the company does exceptionally well.

At many companies, individual performance also comes into play at bonus time. Sometimes individuals' bonuses are tied to the overall rating they receive in their performance evaluation; other times, they're based on whether the worker accomplished a specific list of goals.

Keep Your Boss in the Loop

When it comes to bonuses, communication with your boss becomes critical.

"If the bonus is directly tied to your performance rating, make sure you understand what you need to do to either meet or exceed expectations," Bienstock says.

If the bonus is based on a list of goals, then you need to be certain you understand from your boss what those goals are -- and how success will be measured.

"When you have that conversation with your boss and you walk away and you think this is what you're supposed to do, write it down and send it to your boss and say, 'This is what I heard, is this correct?'" says Jan Schmuckler, an organizational psychologist.

Measures Throughout the Year

It's equally important to keep talking with your boss during the year about how you're progressing so there are no surprises when you open your bonus check.

One of the most confusing parts of performance-based bonuses is what happens when you can't meet one of your goals due to circumstances beyond your control. Perhaps a project is canceled or delayed; maybe you move to a new job with new responsibilities. It's very important to talk to your boss when this happens. Can you replace some of your old goals with new ones? Don't make assumptions about how your boss will handle it -- and don't wait until the end of the year.

Not a Solo Performance

You may find it frustrating to have part of your pay tied to your performance evaluation or to how well the company does. But this is the way of the future. A recent survey of employers by Watson Wyatt found that 22 percent of U.S. companies had increased the amount employees could receive in bonuses, and 10 percent had made performance-based pay available to more workers.

"Companies are also raising the bar on how hard it is to achieve those," Bienstock says. Almost half increased the company's financial goals that are tied to paying bonuses, and more than one-third increased individual performance expectations.

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Earn a Promotion in a Year

Doing Good Work Isn't the Only Requirement
by Margaret Steen, for Yahoo! HotJobs

If a promotion is one of your goals for the next year, are you doing everything you can to make it happen?

It would be nice if hard work and talent would automatically lead to a job with more pay, more responsibility, and a better title. But in most cases, it takes more than that to move to the next level.

Make Yourself Known

Look at the job you'd like to have a year from now. Who selects candidates for this position? Who does that person work with and ask for advice?

"Then you systematically sit down and think about how you're going to make contact," says Helen Harkness, founder of Career Design Inc., in Dallas. There are lots of ways to do this. You can volunteer to serve on a committee with the people you need to know, for example. You can forward them articles or information that relate to their expertise.

Help Your Boss Succeed

Often, your boss is the person who will decide if you'll be promoted. But even if not, your boss will almost certainly be consulted. So impressing your boss is a top priority.

Marianne Adoradio, a recruiter and career counselor in Silicon Valley, suggests focusing on your company's key goals, then talking with your boss to find out which are most important in your department. "It's really important to be aware of what is going to make your boss successful, what is most important to him or her."

Start Doing the Job

You don't want to stage an office coup and start making personnel decisions that are your boss' responsibility. But you need to show that you can work at a higher level than your current position.

"People are easily promoted when they show that they can already do parts of the job they want to move into," says Steve Levin, principal of Leading Change Consulting & Coaching, in Portola Valley, California. "If you want to move from being a manager to a group manager, start taking on responsibility for what a group manager does. Start thinking like they do."

Then you can make the case that "I'm already doing the job; I just need the title."

"That's pretty irresistible to your boss," Levin says.

Have a Plan B

Many people think there's a system in place at work that will take care of them and their career path, Harkness says. "They expect it to happen 1-2-3, automatically. They do the right thing, and they're going to get that promotion. It doesn't work that way."

In fact, Harkness says, it can happen that "you do everything you're supposed to do and it doesn't work." It's important to understand that the workplace is uncertain -- and to know what your backup plan is if you don't get the promotion you want.

If the promotion was a stretch and your boss is encouraging even while turning you down, it may be worth spending another year gaining experience. But you may also want to explore career options outside the company.

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Quitting Time: Should You Make the Leap?

Learn from Three Successful Quitters
by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


Do you dream of quitting your job one day? You're not alone by any means. In fact, according to a 2007 survey by software firm Intuit, 67 percent of people think about quitting their jobs "regularly or constantly."

Of course, not all those folks will leave their jobs. So what is it that turns some professionals into quitters? It depends on whom you ask.

On a Road to Nowhere?

Eric Arnold, a writer and editor, walked away from an editorial position at a trade magazine in early 2004. "There was nothing wrong with job, really. It was more like I had a moment of clarity," says the Brooklyn-based author. "I looked at what my career path might be if I remained in my job there and realized I didn't want to go where it would lead me."

So Arnold pursued a long-time passion for wine and wound up halfway around the world at Allan Scott Wines in Marlborough, New Zealand, toiling away in and around the winery and vineyards for free while learning all about how to make fine wine. His copious notes and wry observations became the recently published book, "First Big Crush: The Down and Dirty of Making Great Wine Down Under" (Scribner).

His advice to others who dream of quitting? "If you really want to move forward in your career, you have to create opportunities for yourself. And that may involve sacrifices, like working for free. But you have to look at the path you're on and ask yourself if it will take you where you want to go."

Seeking Sanity and Opportunity

It's tough to quit a job that sounds glamorous and impressive to the people around you, but that's just what Carla Jones, an Ontario-based television producer, did when she left the popular reality series she'd worked on for several seasons

"There were a lot of factors that led me to quit," she reveals. Her decision wasn't spiteful or sudden. "I gave six months notice, giving notice in June but leaving in early December."

What tipped the scales for this production professional? "I knew I wasn't going to get ahead and I was frustrated by the fact that nothing was going to change. On top of that, I was ready to leave Los Angeles." Jones packed her bags and headed north to Canada, where she produces series, including "No Opportunity Wasted" and "Strip Search," among others.

Despite her current success, she admits, "It was a hard decision because I've been freelance ever since. It's always difficult to give up any security you have."

Beating Burnout

IT project manager Rashmi Sachan didn't know she wanted to quit her job until she was on a sabbatical. "I just knew I was so burned out and I wasn't being effective at work. That doesn't make you feel good about yourself," she says. So Sachan took what began as a four-month sabbatical, using the time to travel throughout India with family and friends.

Upon her return, she realized she didn't want to be a consultant any longer. "I didn't want to be responsible to two organizations. When you're a consultant you have two bosses: your employer and your client. It can be very chaotic. ? My company was changing their business model, moving away from what we used to do and what I wanted to do."

Today, Sachan is an independent contractor in Manhattan, happily working with one major client. She credits her sabbatical with helping her move on.

"If I were going through the daily grind it would've been hard to recognize that I was really unhappy. Especially as a manager -- you're very rarely able to think about right now," she says. "The sabbatical helped me focus on the present and what needed to change."

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How to Discuss Politics at Work

by Melanie London, Vault.com


As the 2008 election gears into full swing, the workplace can start to resemble a blue and red battleground. In many offices, even the boss has no qualms about making his or her political beliefs known, which can increase tension on the job.

According to a recent Vault survey, 35% of bosses openly share their political views with employees, and 9% of workers feel pressure to conform to the boss' views. Regarding coworkers, 30% of respondents said that a coworker has tried to influence their choice in an election.

"My boss insisted that he had to know who I voted for in the election," said one survey respondent. "Then he proceeded to tell me that if I didn't vote his way, I had no business working for the company."

With 66% of survey respondents saying that their coworkers candidly discuss politics, and 46% saying they witnessed political arguments between colleagues, the topic can be unavoidable at the office.

Below are some tips if you find yourself in the middle of a political maelstrom.

1. Don't feel pressured into sharing your views if you don't want to.

If you'd rather not contribute your thoughts on a particular issue or your choice in an upcoming election, then don't. The pressure of a political share-fest can feel overwhelming, but you can politely excuse yourself from the conversation by saying (with a smile), "Sorry, I'm staying out of this one; my mom/dad/grandma/etc. told me never to talk about politics at work." If that won't fly with the co-workers, there's always the "Got to go ? I forgot about those TPS reports that are due" excuse. Then hightail it out of there.

2. Don't try to push your views on your coworkers or employees.

It's great to feel passionate about politics, but your idea of enthusiasm can be someone else's idea of harassment. And the last thing you want is for your coworkers to think you're a big bully about your beliefs. One "Vote for Smith in '08" (note nonthreatening made-up candidate name) sticker at your desk is OK, but handing out petitions is not. You may think you're not pressuring anyone or forcing them to participate, but in your own subtle way you are.

3. Don't assume people feel the same way you do.

The punk rock girl with the nose ring? Definitely a Democrat. That clean-cut guy who always wears a suit? Must be a Republican. Wrong. These are stereotypes, and they are totally and completely unreliable. Don't approach someone and start bashing a candidate or fervently discussing this week's hot-button issue when there is the slightest chance that they may not agree with your point of view. This will make for a very uncomfortable situation for both parties (no pun intended).

4. Don't criticize if you don't agree.

If you do discover that someone at work has vastly different political views than you, do not disparage them. If you find yourself in the middle of a political argument at work, back off as quickly as possible with a simple, "Well I guess we disagree on this, but it's no big deal. It would be silly to let it affect our working relationship."

If the exchange becomes heated before you can control the situation you may just have to walk away. Even if you're sure you are right, the workday is not the time and the office is not the place.

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How to Decide If You Need a Career Change

by Debra Davenport, for Yahoo! HotJobs


If you're not thrilled with your career, if you don't wake up excited about the day's prospects, or if you feel that your work has no intrinsic value, then it's time to get serious about making a change.

Knowing a Good Fit

The right career is a positive, productive and natural extension of you, your value system and your natural talents. The right career "fits"; it may not come effortlessly, but it does come naturally. It provides you with purpose, a positive self image and a sense of pride.

Just like finding your ideal mate, finding your ideal career has a lot to do with compatibility on many different levels. Your career must be a comfortable match with your personality, lifestyle, interests, skills, spiritual inclinations and values.

Signs of a Bad Fit

You know you're in the wrong career if:

• It is strictly a means to put food on the table.
• It's just some job you took 10 years ago because, at the time, it was the only one you could find.
• Your parents are proud, but you're bored to tears.
• Your job makes you unhappy, damages your self-esteem, compromises your values, or undermines your integrity.
• You live for the weekend.

Assess Yourself

Here's another checklist to help you assess your current employment situation. Check the statements that apply to you (and ignore for now the letter after each statement):

1. I look forward to going to work most every day. (S)
2. My employer treats me fairly and with respect. (S)
3. I live for the weekend, or any days away from work. (G)
4. I feel valued and appreciated for my professional contributions. (S)
5. My workplace feels "toxic." (G)

6. I can be myself at work and not have to worry about being judged. (S)
7. I am included in my company's "information loop." (S)
8. My employer discusses with me and provides opportunities for advancement and professional development. (S)
9. I am commended for the extra effort I perform. (S)
10. I am stimulated intellectually and creatively by my work. (S)

11. I feel that I am making a positive contribution to society. (S)
12. I am compensated well for my work. (S)
13. I find myself daydreaming frequently about a new career. (G)
14. I feel that my work is a natural extension of who I am as a human being. (S)
15. I see myself as successful. (S)

16. I feel trapped and stuck in my current position. (G)
17. I feel in control of my career destiny. (S)
18. I am working at the level of my full potential. (S)
19. My current career negatively impacts those close to me. (G)
20. I have a desire to try something new and different. (G)

Now, count the number of "S" and "G" responses you have. "S" means "Stay" and "G" means "Go." This checklist is a reliable indicator of whether or not your present job is a good fit for you. Clearly, the more "G" ("Go") responses you checked, the more critical it is for you to start thinking about new opportunities.

Debra Davenport, PhD, is a Master Professional Mentor career counselor, and the president of DavenportFolio, a licensed firm that mentors entrepreneurs and professionals. She is the creator of the Certified Professional Mentor designation and certification program. Reach her at debra@davenportfolio.com or (480) 348-7875.

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The Right Way to Resign

How to Leave Your Job in Good Standing
by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


After you've landed a new job, the excitement of starting something new may be accompanied by anxiety and guilt over leaving the familiar and perhaps some good friends, too. Even if you're leaving mostly enemies behind, it's still a good idea to leave your job in good standing.

Corporate alumni associations are sprouting up all over the Fortune 500, at companies including GE, Procter & Gamble, and Yum! Brands, and it's in your best interest to be a part of these burgeoning professional networks. In fact, if you handle your transition properly, your former employers may even view your ascension elsewhere as a PR asset.

"Whatever the circumstances are around your departure, keep your mind on the big picture and don't do anything that could come back to haunt you," says career coach Deborah Brown-Volkman.

She recommends three steps for wrapping things up at your old job and departing with a pat on the back from your boss.

1. Write down everything you do and how it all gets done.

Forget job descriptions. They rarely tell us precisely what an individual does day-to-day or reveal the "It's not really my job, but I kind of do it anyway" responsibilities that grace any worker's plate each week. Also, in an age of zero redundancy at many companies, you cannot rely on even your supervisor to understand what it is you do and how you go about doing it.

Brown-Volkman says, "Often a boss feels like, 'I don't know what this person does -- I only know she can't leave!'"

So, do your boss and colleagues right by creating an exhaustive list of everything you handle, along with detailed instructions on how to handle it. Your coworkers will appreciate you for having this thorough document -- and for having done so much during your tenure.

2. Remain until you train the new you.

Two weeks' notice may be the minimum an employer requests, but most companies will appreciate a more lengthy lead-time so that you can help train your replacement. If you do so, your boss will be indebted to you. You're also sending a message that you want your former coworkers and employer to succeed.

Brown-Volkman, author of "Coach Yourself to a New Career," adds, "It's hard to give a lot of notice because your next employer may be waiting anxiously for you to start, and many people want to take a week off between jobs." However, she urges departing workers, "Spend as much time as you can with your replacement or colleagues who will be temporarily handling your workload. Train them so they've got it down cold."

Also, tap your own network for a potential replacement. You may even be eligible for a finder's fee if you refer the right person for the job.

3. Wish everyone well when you leave.

Brown-Volkman advises all her clients, "It's important to complete with your former coworkers on your last day." Give everyone a heartfelt farewell and say a few words of encouragement and appreciation to all your colleagues. "Even if you don't like someone, bury the hatchet. It takes a big person to do that, but you never know when you'll meet this individual again."

Also, she points out that former coworkers are the best candidates to join your professional network. "You will always have common ground with these folks. They're easy to stay in touch with. There will always be some bit of news or gossip you can bond over, and that makes it less awkward to pick up the phone and chat."

"All of this really is for the future, the big picture," she adds. "You could end up working for some of these people. You may need a favor. You just don't know, so make sure you leave on the best possible terms."

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Bullies in the Workplace

by Robert DiGiacomo, for Yahoo! HotJobs


If the equivalent of the schoolyard bully is now sharing your cubicle or -- worse -- is your boss, you're not alone.

More than 1 in 3 workers -- or 54 million people -- report being bullied at work, according to a Zogby International poll. Nearly three-quarters of the bullies are in managerial positions, and 55 percent of their victims are workers, Zogby found.

Below are some warning signs to watch out for and hints for coping with an abusive manager or coworker.

Is the Boss a Bully or Just Demanding?

Executive coach Laura Crawshaw, author of "Taming the Abrasive Manager: How to End Unnecessary Roughness in the Workplace," has identified five signs that your boss is a bully.

The signs include overreacting to situations, micromanaging others, acting in a superior and condescending way, humiliating employees in front of colleagues, and taking a threatening stance, as in, "It's my way or the highway."

But Crawshaw doesn't like to use the "B" word. She explains, "The 'bully' term implies they intend to do harm. In fact, this is not what I've found. Essentially, they are blind to the impact of their behavior on others. Generally, they don't see it."

Zero Tolerance

To foster a positive workplace, employers need to first recognize the bullying problem, according to Garry Mathiason, a senior partner in the San Francisco office of Littler Mendelson, a top employment and labor law firm.

Employers should then create policies establishing guidelines for unacceptable behavior and ways to report such conduct, and make sure everyone -- from the CEO to the file clerk -- practices what they're preaching.

"There has to be encouragement of reporting problems, and there have to be alternative channels -- human resources, a senior manager, or the legal department -- if you can't report it directly to your immediate supervisor because he or she is the problem," Mathiason said.

The Mind of the Bully

The bully boss, according to Crawshaw, displays overaggressive behavior out of fear, not confidence.

"When they get anxious about how they're going to be perceived, they attack," Crawshaw says. "It's helpful for people who are subordinates to realize it's not their problem -- it's the boss' problem."

Preparing an Exit Strategy

If faced with an unresolved bullying situation, should you stay or should you go? Although some workplace bullying experts believe it's possible to resolve such situations, most workers under attack by a bully end up changing jobs, according to a poll by Zogby International for the Workplace Bullying Institute.

The 2007 survey found 77% of those who said they were bullied chose to leave their employer or were fired, forced out, or moved to a different position within the same company.

"Our research is clear about how the bullying stops -- the targets lose the jobs they love," said Gary Namie, director of the Workplace Bullying Institute.

Bottom Line vs. Cohesive Team

But companies would be better served, Mathiason believes, by adhering to policies that value the victim over the bully, even if the latter is a strong contributor to the bottom line.

"If you decide in favor of the harmony and teamwork of the group -- and take the short-term deficit of losing what is otherwise a good performer -- you're going to be more successful as an organization, because the team can always outperform the individual," Mathiason says.

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Take Control of Your Email at Work

Six Steps to Increase Productivity, Minimize Clutter
by Margaret Steen, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Email makes workplace communication faster and more efficient -- but it can also be overwhelming.

Almost two-thirds of executives list email as their preferred method of communicating at work, according to an OfficeTeam survey -- a number that has almost doubled in the past decade.

"Email is front and center today," said Diane Domeyer, executive director of OfficeTeam, a division of staffing company Robert Half International. "Still, there can be too much of a good thing."

Experts offer the following tips for making email work for you.

* Send less. This doesn't mean you should forego important memos or leave people out of the loop. But you should think twice before you hit Send, especially if you're replying to everyone in a large group.

"Eighty percent of email is totally necessary," said Mike Song, CEO of Cohesive Knowledge Solutions and co-author of "The Hamster Revolution: How to Manage Your Email Before it Manages You." The key is to identify and eliminate the remaining 20 percent. "A lot of people will just hit 'Reply to All' to say thank you to somebody. And sometimes that person will hit 'Reply to All' and say you're welcome. It really gets in the way of getting things done."

* Set a schedule. Turn off the "ding" sound that alerts you to incoming mail. Figure out how frequently you need to answer your email: once a day? Three times a day? Then set aside time to read and reply to messages.

"It's easier to manage your email in chunks of time rather than continuously throughout the day," Domeyer said. For example, you can read and reply to email first thing in the morning, once in the middle of the day, and once at the end of the day.

* Use the technology. Use a good spam filter to remove the truly unnecessary mail. Also, set up folders for low-priority messages, such as notes from your professional association. You can check these folders as often as necessary -- once every few days, for example.

* Organize it. Make folders for your email so you can move messages out of your inbox once you've read them. This will make the messages in your inbox seem less overwhelming. It will also help you find messages later when you need to refer to them.

* Don't be too brief. It's good to make your emails as short as possible -- and especially tempting when you're typing on a PDA. But if you're replying to an email that mentions several ways to handle a problem, for example, and you reply with "sounds good," you may soon receive yet another email, asking which solution you think sounds good.

* Know when not to email. There are times when talking to someone, either in person or on the phone, is the better option. "If you have a difficult or challenging situation to resolve, better to do that in person," Domeyer said. "You'll find it to be more efficient and much more likely to be resolved in a satisfactory manner."

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How to Decide If You Need a Career Change

by Debra Davenport, for Yahoo! HotJobs


If you're not thrilled with your career, if you don't wake up excited about the day's prospects, or if you feel that your work has no intrinsic value, then it's time to get serious about making a change.

Knowing a Good Fit

The right career is a positive, productive and natural extension of you, your value system and your natural talents. The right career "fits"; it may not come effortlessly, but it does come naturally. It provides you with purpose, a positive self image and a sense of pride.

Just like finding your ideal mate, finding your ideal career has a lot to do with compatibility on many different levels. Your career must be a comfortable match with your personality, lifestyle, interests, skills, spiritual inclinations and values.

Signs of a Bad Fit

You know you're in the wrong career if:

• It is strictly a means to put food on the table
• It's just some job you took 10 years ago because, at the time, it was the only one you could find.
• Your parents are proud, but you're bored to tears.
• Your job makes you unhappy, damages your self-esteem, compromises your values, or undermines your integrity.
• You live for the weekend.

Assess Yourself

Here's another checklist to help you assess your current employment situation. Check the statements that apply to you (and ignore for now the letter after each statement):

1. I look forward to going to work most every day. (S)
2. My employer treats me fairly and with respect. (S)
3. I live for the weekend, or any days away from work. (G)
4. I feel valued and appreciated for my professional contributions. (S)
5. My workplace feels "toxic." (G)

6. I can be myself at work and not have to worry about being judged. (S)
7. I am included in my company's "information loop." (S)
8. My employer discusses with me and provides opportunities for advancement and professional development. (S)
9. I am commended for the extra effort I perform. (S)
10. I am stimulated intellectually and creatively by my work. (S)

11. I feel that I am making a positive contribution to society. (S)
12. I am compensated well for my work. (S)
13. I find myself daydreaming frequently about a new career. (G)
14. I feel that my work is a natural extension of who I am as a human being. (S)
15. I see myself as successful. (S)

16. I feel trapped and stuck in my current position. (G)
17. I feel in control of my career destiny. (S)
18. I am working at the level of my full potential. (S)
19. My current career negatively impacts those close to me. (G)
20. I have a desire to try something new and different. (G)

Now, count the number of "S" and "G" responses you have. "S" means "Stay" and "G" means "Go." This checklist is a reliable indicator of whether or not your present job is a good fit for you. Clearly, the more "G" ("Go") responses you checked, the more critical it is for you to start thinking about new opportunities.

Debra Davenport, PhD, is a Master Professional Mentor career counselor, and the president of DavenportFolio, a licensed firm that mentors entrepreneurs and professionals. She is the creator of the Certified Professional Mentor designation and certification program. Reach her at debra@davenportfolio.com or (480) 348-7875.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Career Opportunity

Finding and Creating the Work You Love

Eight Steps to Your Dream Job

by Brian Kurth, for Yahoo! HotJobs

Identifying your dream job and the path that will take you there is both a challenge and an opportunity. But by following a realistic step-by-step "vocationing" process (outlined below), you can pursue your interests and passions to the job of your dreams.

1. Define Your Dream Job(s)

What are your passions and your interests? What activities give you a sense of purpose and satisfaction? Can you envision yourself in a job that fully engages your heart and your mind? You may still be trying to figure out what you want to be when you grow up. That's OK. This eight-step process gives you the opportunity to explore, experiment, and discover what your dream job is and how to pursue it.

2. Address Your Fears

Financial instability, family disruption, giving up an identity, failing at something new. These are all fears that may stand in the way of pursuing your dream job. The biggest thing you can do to get past these fears is to meet them head-on. Bring these deepest fears to light and examine them with reason; talk about them; play each one out to its most irrational end. What is the worst thing that could happen?

3. Do Your Research

Internal and external research helps you discover who you are and what kind of work meshes with your deepest self. Do your homework and access resources ranging from the Internet to one-on-one contact with people on-the-job to determine if what you think is your dream job truly is your dream job.

4. Find a Mentor

Inspirational, experienced, realistic, forthcoming, and optimistic. A good mentor is all of these things and eager to help someone else get started. Recruiting a mentor who is a good match for you requires following a plan of action, asking the right questions, and building a relationship that is mutually satisfying. Having a mentor is the crux to the vocationing process. Whether you're 20-something, 30-something, or even 60-something, you need a mentor!

5. Test-Drive Your Dream Job

There's no better way to learn than by doing. Test-driving your dream job with a mentor provides a hands-on experience that has the potential to change your life. This is the opportunity to learn as much as possible about the job, how you feel about the day-to-day activities, and what it takes to succeed. Whether your mentorship proves your perceived dream job is indeed your dream job, or if it is a reality check illuminating that the job is not the one of your dreams, the mentorship experience gives you the required personal and professional due diligence you need prior to making a career decision.

6. Create an Action Plan

Pursuing a dream job is less a leap than a series of incremental steps that move you closer to your goal. What is critical to reaching that goal is making sure the steps you follow are the right ones. An action plan is needed. If you make a list of all the things you need to learn and do in order to realize your dream job, you will have mapped out a plan for moving ahead. A knowledgeable action plan provides you with the power to forge ahead.

7. Establish Thresholds

The biggest reason we pursue our dream job is to increase our life satisfaction. It is important to understand how much risk, challenge, and uncertainty you can tolerate before the life-satisfaction goal becomes blurred by the process. The vocationing process is as much about what you learn on the journey as the rewards when you reach your destination.

8. Think Big, Start Small

You don't have to quit your 9-to-5 job to pursue your dream job. Obligations and concerns may take you down a less-than-direct path. It may take months, not weeks; years, not months. If you are patient and creative, you can keep your career transition moving forward.

Brian Kurth is the founder of VocationVacations and the author of "Test-Drive Your Dream Job." 

Jobs Info , Career Sources , Employment

Create a Winning Job-Search Game Plan

Turn Former Errors Into Accomplishments
by Carla-Krystin Andrade, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Microsoft founder Bill Gates said, "It's fine to celebrate success, but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure." In other words, even our worst job-search errors are the training ground for greater success.

With that in mind, try this exercise: Draw four columns on a blank sheet of paper. Use the following four questions to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and get back into the game with a winning plan.

Column 1: Last Year's Misses

Without pausing to analyze, make a list of your actions that you felt hindered your career last year. Remember to examine every area of your job search, including: interviewing, networking, and your resume.

Column 2: Hit or Miss?

Now, take a step back and look at each of your actions from an outsider's viewpoint. Did it really derail your job search or is it just something you feel badly about? For example, your lingering embarrassment at spilling your coffee during an interview doesn't mean that this is an error you need to fix, unless you repeatedly spill your coffee.

On the other hand, not knowing the meanings of buzz words you used on your resume is something you need to correct. Go through each item in Column 1. If it truly requires a change, then jot "change this" beside it in column 2.

Column 3: Can I Fix This?

What is in your control to change? Be realistic. You can change your habit of turning up late for interviews. You cannot change the fact that you got fired from your last job because of a personal conflict. Increase your chances of success by focusing your attention on the things that you can change. And put a check mark for each of those in column 3.

Column 4: My Hits for This Year

Here is the turning point. Review the list of things to change that remain after questions 2 and 3. Identify a positive behavior to replace each of them and write these in Column 4. For example, do you arrive at interviews inadequately prepared? Then identify a more positive action to take and write a measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-based objective to guide your change, such as, "Starting this month, I will spend at least an hour preparing for each interview."

Now, make this plan work for you. Circle the three positive changes from Column 4 that are most important to you. Write them on a cue card or some other place where you can easily review your turnaround plan every day. In addition, give a copy of this list to someone you trust and ask him or her to hold you accountable for making at least one change by the end of the year.

Then watch your hits add up.

Since 1989, Carla-Krystin "CK" Andrade has helped job hunters worldwide win jobs and achieve their career goals through her website, www.stressfreezone.com, books, and seminars. Her latest books are "Kick Start Your Job Search, Now!" and "How to Win the Job Search Game."

Job Info , Career Sources , Employment