Is This Scenario Familiar? Don stood by, riveted by the wreckage. 'It’s a burning platform, Jim.''We’ve gotta make hay, Don! Why weren’t we leveraged for this?'Grimly, the two office warriors surveyed the damage laid out in grids on a six-page spreadsheet. 'No warning, Jim. Last week we were talking foursomes and fourth quarter. At this juncture, he’s out-of-pocket for the long haul.'Excel-shocked, the two men stared down a bleak future in utter silence, until inspiration struck. 'Better bring Diane in for this. She can handle it.' Don shrugged, 'Sounds like a plan.'Jim smiled. 'Wanna... view article details

Don't Make It Any Harder on Yourself Is it any wonder job interviews are such fertile ground for disaster?Just think about it for a second. The hiring manager has to fill the position quickly and with the right person, and has to choose from a pool of candidates who are more than likely desperate to find employment and pay bills. Applicants have an hour or so to present themselves in the best possible light, and if you believe some experts it only takes a few seconds following a first impression for people to make their final judgments. Finally, throw in a hefty portion of self-doubt ... view article details

There are times when negotiating your salary can be a multi-layered and complicated process. I’ve seen jobseekers juggling three or more offers, playing companies off of each other, stalling for time, and getting counter-offers to counter-offers like a circus performer spinning plates. Other deals can get complex quickly when you start to weigh the choice between a sure-thing salary, potential bonuses, and long-shot/high-upside stock options. And then there are the situations that have nearly everything in play: compensation, bonuses, equity, job title, relocation costs, vacation time, start d... view article details

So, you taught your dog to catch a Frisbee and your parrot to squawk 'Loser!' when your brother walks into the room. Well done.The rewards of animal training are many -- ranging from the obvious advantages of a puddle-free house to the potential 15 minutes of 'stupid pet trick' fame on Letterman.  But it goes both ways. Our pets also model valuable behaviors worth emulating, such as loyalty, trust and affection. Are you learning, Teacher? Consider what pet traits are worth following and which demand avoidance in the workplace. Here are a few....Old dogs can -- and should -- learn new tricks ... view article details

Many employers will be conducting their annual “focal” reviews over the next few months, which in layman’s terms means the time in which you sit down with your boss and go over your achievements against goals. For most people, it is an uncomfortable conversation that produces as much anxiety as going to the dentist or asking for a raise.For the majority of companies, the annual review is the only formal conversation employees have with their boss about their performance and usually ends with an overview of an employee's new compensation package such as merit increase, bonus payout and stock gr... view article details

We all had one of those days! You can find your keys. You spill coffee all over your brand new shirt. Your car gets hit in the parking lot. But what happens when these things coincide with one of life’s most stressful situations: The Job Interview . . .Caught Sneaking Off Interviewer: 'I once had a candidate come to be interviewed while he was supposed to be on company business in a completely different area. While he was being interviewed a truck crashed into his company car and crushed it. He had a hard time explaining to his boss why he was not where he was sup... view article details

When it comes to careers, most of us are looking for the same thing -- fulfilling, meaningful work we enjoy that also pays the bills.While many people spend a good portion of their working lives looking for a career that meets these elusive parameters, there are some animals that have managed to achieve this balance quite nicely.This article explores six animal careers that put the 'fun' in job function. How does your job measure up? 1. Animal actors have it made Animal actors live comfortably with their every need taken care of and their days spent 'playing' on set with actors and tr... view article details

Pleading ignorance isn't going to save your job if you show up for work inappropriately dressed. It's not a secret code. It's a dress code.Whether informally followed or clearly outlined line by line in an employee manual, trust us. It exists. Keep in mind, however, the corporate culture of your particular business. What might crisply soar through a law office might look a bit stiff in a more eclectically creative environment. Follow these tips to be sure you're a dressed for success, not disaster.Do sparkle The difference between 'sparkle' and 'flash' equates to the considerable mile... view article details

Lisa D’Annolfo Levey is a consultant on work-life and diversity management and the author of The Libra Solution: Shedding Excess and Redefining Success at Work and at Home, which focuses on a gender-flexible approach to career and family management. Lisa first interviewed Roy Marden while doing research for her book and conducted a follow-up interview in May 2012.Roy Marden was the last person anyone -- even his wife -- thought would be the primary caretaker for his infant daughter. He admittedly felt ambivalent about the idea of becoming a parent. He thoroughly enjoyed the lifestyle that he a... view article details

Our Office Dress Survey was Revealing We asked about office dress codes and boy did you answer. Loudly. Nearly 4,600 people responded to our survey and proved dress codes are, and always will be, a hot topic that gets fairly contentious in a hurry. Dress codes---whether to have them, what clothing should be allowed/prohibited and how to implement them---will all vary depending on the atmosphere of the individual companies. A small beachside surf and skate shop will likely be more informal than three-piece suits worn by employees at a Fortune 500 company. But whether yo... view article details