In an economy where jobs still haven't rebounded, those who are employed don't want to do anything to jeopardize their current job -- including looking for a new one. Fortunately, you don't have to put your career advancement on hold, or let opportunities pass you by. This article explores 12 ways to look for a new job, while keeping your current one safe.1. Shhhhhh… Choose your confidants carefully. Don’t tell your boss or your co-workers that you’re looking for a new job. Sharing this information with the wrong people will ensure that you’ll be move... view article details

The American Time Use Survey was developed by the Department of Labor and conducted by the Census Bureau. Established in 2003, this study collects information about the things Americans do each day, such as work, household activities, educational pursuits and leisure activities and how much time we spend doing them. While the study looks at American households, Salary.com decided to take a look at this data from a different perspective – men vs. women – and some of the findings are pretty interesting.At Work According to the survey, employed persons worked an... view article details

Q. As a salaried exempt supervisor, I have been given more than 40 hours of work per week, had pay cuts, and not been treated well in general. Now my employer is requiring all the salaried exempt employees to use the time clock. My understanding is that when you punch a timecard, you become an hourly employee. Is that true?A. Use of a time clock does not make a job nonexempt. A job's exemption from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is based on a number of criteria, such as job content, scope and responsibility, latitude, and the job's impact on the organization.Before a job changes exemption... view article details

Dear Annette,When placing photographs on one's desk, do you recommend a certain number of photographs or an ideal size and type of frame? My goal is to create more of a 'work' atmosphere than a 'home' atmosphere. FramedDear Framed,I have always thought my desk was an ideal place for photographs. Delightful sterling silver frames add a touch of whimsy to my work area and demonstrate once again that there will always be a place for engraving in the modern office. Since I use my computer very little, I like to put photos on my keyboard and monitor as well.It's so handy when friends ask who that f... view article details

 It's not your parents' workplace anymore - nor their dress code. Gone are the stuffy three-piece suits and conservative skirt sets of times past, replaced with a canvas of khaki on which a world of individuality is expressed, as if to say, 'Trust me: I'm casual.' In some corporations and industries, it's Casual Friday every day of the week. Yet even with today's relaxed standards, it's still not a good idea to show up for work in torn shorts and a baggy tee shirt. Especially if you deal directly with customers, the way you express yourself to the world is far more important than the true you ... view article details

With the start of the New Year, employers will be finalizing their salary budgets for 2009. Many survey vendors collected, compiled and analyzed data regarding merit increases for 2009 and reported that merit budgets for 2009 were on track to remain consistent with previous years' averaging at around the 3.5% mark. As more economic turmoil surfaced toward year end, some organizations took a new look at merit budget plans for 2009 as we discussed in the article Pay Increases in 2009 May Disappoint Workers in our December 30th newsletter. Most employers are being cautious, pre... view article details

Dear Annette,I work with a person who has a very bad attitude. She is nasty to her boss and to some of the other people she works with. I do not appreciate the way she speaks to her coworkers. I work in a firm that is very professional and I feel you must be professional at all times. She hates to do anything! She is always playing games on the computer and is always talking on the phone. What should be done? Annoyed in DetroitDear Annoyed,During the entire 1980s, my stylist insisted that a stern pout, severe heels, and short, stiff hair would communicate that I was a woman in charge. Every ti... view article details

Thinking about moving to Portland for a company you’re dying to work for? Does the thought of experiencing a new culture and working in Europe for a year sound exciting? Intrigued by a startup with long hours and below-market pay … but with the upside of stock options that could pay off handsomely? Many will tell you that your 20s is the time to do this, when you probably don’t have a spouse or kids or mortgage to consider.The biggest payoffs in your 20s come from changing jobs and negotiating salary assertively when you do. While the average raise might only be 3-6%, when changing jobs (and g... view article details

If a job candidate is far enough in the interview process that the human resources professional is ready to ask for references, the candidate is close to being offered the job. For that reason, the references are crucial and have a significant impact on the final hiring decision. Any company that is going to hire you should ask for references, so be ready to give them at least three solid ones.Choose References Who Will Portray You FavorablyWhen asking people to serve as a reference, choose people who are unquestionably ready to offer a glowing report. If you won't be using them immediately, y... view article details

Dear Annette,I found a colleague's resume in the copy machine and noticed that he lists some of my responsibilities as his own. I don't want him to get away with this, but I don't think it's common knowledge that he's looking for a new job, so I don't want to report it to our supervisor. What should I do?Feeling Betrayed in Baton RougeDear Betrayed,Anyone who has ever been lampooned, made-for-TV-movie'd, made into a voodoo doll, or imitated in any other way has felt the simultaneous flattery and consternation of seeing his or her work or characteristics represented by another. So I suspect you... view article details