In Part I of this article we discussed  six common roadblocks faced in the workplace, and how to recognize them. In Part II we’ll talk about specific strategies that will allow you to knock down roadblocks, so you can happily and successfully reach your destination.Roadblock #1: All talk, no action. Instead of daydreaming about how great your life would be if you reached your goal, take action.Strategy: Adapt the adage “There’s no time like the present.” Set goals that are SMART—Specific, Measurable,Attainable, Relevent, and Time-Bound. Taking this important first step will brea... view article details

Today's seniors may either feel the pinch of the economy or be bored at home initiating the desire to return to the workforce. Volunteer work has been the standby for many retirees, but many are looking for second careers and, in some cases, a way to supplement their retirement income. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 20 percent of Americans 55 years and older will be working by 2015. Many post-retirees want to utilize their experience while allowing part-time or flexible hours. Here we suggest some employment alternatives for seniors looking to get back into the workforce... view article details

Today’s seniors may either feel the pinch of the economy or be bored at home initiating the desire to return to the workforce. Volunteer work has been the standby for many retirees, but many are looking for second careers and, in some cases, a way to supplement their retirement income. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 20 percent of Americans 55 years and older will be working by 2015. Many post-retirees want to utilize their experience while allowing part-time or flexible hours. Here we suggest some employment alternatives for seniors looking to get back into the workforce. Of... view article details

Dear Annette,My boss talks to other employees about employees. Is this an accepted practice? He claims to be quite educated in new management styles. However, I do not feel as though I should know that he is thinking about firing his secretary, also known as my coworker. Sincerely, Rather Not KnowDear Rather Not Know,Perhaps like me you recall the era when information was the currency of fabulousness. How much energy and time used to go into hiding and discovering secrets? How many Saturday and Sunday mornings has my dog Dickie spent sniffing around the back doors of my little Beverly Hills ne... view article details

Q:   I have worked at a few short-term contract positions in the past few months after being laid off by my previous employer. How should I present this information on my resume? Is it possible to consolidate this experience into just one entry? If so, how should I list the companies, dates, and locations? I don't want to give a future employer the impression that I was job hopping, but this has happened considering the current state of the economy and the scarcity of opportunities.A:   I would call it what it is - short-term assignments. Don't try to consolidate the information. If your prosp... view article details

We surveyed nearly 2,700 people about their attitudes towards tattoos and piercings in the workplace. Do they hurt your chances of getting a job or getting promoted? Who disapproves of visible tattoos the most? What part of the country is most accepting of tattoos in the workplace? Here's an infographic that reflects current opinions regarding this hot workplace topic, and you can read the full article with even more information. view article details

5 things you need to know about employment background checks Nowadays, Human Resource departments are facing a series of risks caused by carelessness. This is simply because some candidates are not reliable enough to take a position within the hiring organization. With senior management often spread thin, promoting the company's interests can become less evident. This can run the risk of people leaving the company to form their own, similar company – providing them higher salary and personal gain. So employment background check is an important step before salary negotiation.... view article details

Q. Is it possible for a prospective employer to verify your salary from a previous employer without your knowledge or consent?A. It depends on whether your company belongs to a consortium of companies that exchanges information about their current and former employees. Typically, companies participating in such consortia may share pay data and the current status of their employees - for example, active or terminated. Companies normally ask potential employees to sign a waiver allowing the employer to verify information provided on a resume or employment application. Declining to let a prospect... view article details

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

Q. I've accidentally come into possession of a confidential printout of my fellow employees' pay rates. After reviewing it, I've come to the opinion I am being well underpaid. In the near future I am up for review, which always is nothing more than a formality for a decision already made. What are the possible legal ramifications of possessing this information? How, if at all, may I ethically use this information to my advantage?A. Above all, be very careful.Since you found the information, I would not use it when discussing your salary with your manager nor your HR department. Unless your cow... view article details