Design Matters Whether you consciously think about it or not, design has an influence on the decisions you make every day -- the phone you use, couch you purchase, shoes you wear, and websites you visit. Why is it then, that the concept of design still seems to be in the dark ages when it comes to job-hunting? Many people think that great design is too expensive, but my feeling is that design is an investment.If you've got the knack for it, it's worth it to take classes and become skilled with the latest software. If it's not your thing, find a designer you enjoy working with who unde... view article details

Step Outside Your Comfort Zone Are you looking for a job? Then you've probably heard a lot of the same, recycled advice.'Use your network,' 'do what you love,' and 'make sure you do your research.' Look, those aren't bad pieces of advice. They are the building blocks of a successful job search, and the kind of common sense tips on which you need to build a solid foundation when you're a job seeker. But if you've been doing all of the basics and still not getting anywhere, perhaps it's time to think outside the box.The following is a list of things to do that goes beyond the basics. Th... view article details

Separate Myth from Good Advice Fishermen have nothing on the world of jobseekers when it comes to tall tales and nebulous information passed on from person to person over the years.Everyone has a job-hunting strategy they swear by, along with a list of things people should never do while searching for a job. Some of it is good advice, other parts are well-intentioned but slightly misguided tidbits passed down from friends and relatives, and the rest is just downright wrong. Very, very wrong.But which well known myths should you avoid? We lay them out in this article, and then replace ... view article details

Many of us live a large part of our lives online. So it's no wonder that your online presence can have a major influence on your career success.If your present or potential employer searched for you online, what would they find? Would those search results reveal a professional with many marketable skills? Or could the results do more harm than good for your career?Keep reading to learn the essential dos and don'ts for creating (or updating) your online presence.Do: Google your own name It's vital to know what potential employers and clients will find when they search for you.In a 2010... view article details

There are many questions people prepare for during a job interview such as 'What kind of projects are you working on in your current job?' 'What measurable skills can you bring to this position?' and 'What is your greatest weakness?'So when you come across this next question, you might be inclined to brush it off:'What is my favorite baseball team?'Surprisingly, this question could end up being the most important one you answer. Let me explain.For five years, I was the online marketing director at Wired.com in New York City. As my responsibilities expanded, I got the chance to bring on an inte... view article details

Picture this: You meet someone on Bumble. This person seems like a great match for you. You go on a bunch of dates and start to assume things are getting serious. And then it happens… What happens exactly? Well, nothing. You hear nothing. You see nothing. “Bae” is off the radar like a rogue ship in the night. You, my friend, have just been ghosted. A more recent trend is “zombieing.” The gem who ghosted you suddenly resurfaces months later – as if back from the dead. If the person has the audacity, the communication can open with a super casual line as if the ghosting never even occurred. “Hey... view article details

Few things are as challenging as looking for work. Making smart decisions involves a host of variables that may be quite contradictory. Figuring out where you want to work next involves balancing location (where you work), occupation (what you do), compensation (what you make), and availability (what jobs are open). The earliest stages of the job hunt are a lot like a game of MadLibs™. For starters, fill in the following blanks in this simple CareerMadLib: I want to be a(n)  (name of occupation)   working in  (name of location)   making   (annual salary) . Think About What Means the Most to ... view article details

While our economy appears to be making gains in other areas, unemployment in this country is still hovering around 9.6%, according to the most recent statistics released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor. If you are currently searching for a job, consider taking paths less traveled -- and therefore less crowded. This article explores 14 less conventional ways to land a good job.1. Tailor your message to potential employers Forget generic resumes and cover letters -- they won’t cut it in today’s competitive environment. Make sure your objective statement is specific to t... view article details

You've Got Your Diploma, but Now What? As graduation approaches, many young job seekers are wondering how they can land an opportunity in this very challenging job market.Lindsey Pollak, a recognized expert on next-generation career trends, recently released a new edition of her terrific book, Getting from College to Career. Lindsey graciously agreed to answer some questions to help new professions get hired in a hurry. In this first of a two-part series, Lindsey shares advice about goal-setting and offers insights for the new grad who can’t decide what to do next.Don't Hesitate to Ge... view article details

Be Careful with Your Brand Many job seekers attempt to use a functional format to emphasize specific skills or to cover up problems with the resume, such as job gaps, brief employment periods, or multiple jobs in a short time period. Or you may be trying to brand yourself, in modern terms, with the functional approach. Personal branding is a great idea, but be aware, the functional resume is not the way to create your brand. Even though branding is a popular marketing concept for corporations, the transition to personal branding isn’t always as easy to establish. Brainstorm for a minu... view article details