By Jane Lee Monday March 7, 2011 'Both fortune and love befriend the bold.'Ovid's words ring as true as they did 2,000 years ago. So do Shakespeare's: 'Oft expectation fails, and most oft there where most it promises.'And there, as they say, lies the rub. It's easy to take a risk when you have nothing to lose, but when the dream depends on betting your bank account, your fame, or even your very life, even the proudest thrill seekers can succumb to caution's warm embrace. Ronald Heifetz, leadership expert and professor at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, likes to say ... view article details

Seven Tips to a Better ReviewThe performance review induces a case of nerves in most employees, but if you prepare properly, you can make your next performance review your best.  To help, the experts at Salary.com have created a list of tips to ensure a better performance review.1. Track your contributionsKeep a journal at your desk that you can update daily or weekly with your key accomplishments, positive feedback you have received and comments about areas where you can improve.2. Compile your greatest achievementsEach month, review your journal entries and track your progress against your g... view article details

Q: My question is about 'ethnic' hairstyles in the workplace. Would a person interviewing be scrutinized because they were wearing a hairstyle that was different from the norm? For instance, as an African-American female interviewing for an executive assistant position in corporate America, could I wear dreadlocks or braids? Or, how would corporate America feel about me if I came to an interview with my head covered because of religious practices?A: Wherever I go in today's workplace, I go in style, and you can too. Never forget that putting on clothes and dealing with your hair is an opportun... view article details

Performance review season is upon us. This presents an opportunity for employees to demonstrate their accomplishments and distinguish themselves and their value to the organization. In this challenging economy it is important to use this critical tool to its best advantage as it has significant impact on pay, professional development and, even job security. Here are ten tips to make the annual performance review work best for you, while also making it easier on your boss to write you a terrific review. Know Your Role for your Performance Review If you are uncertain about any aspect of your job... view article details

More Important Than Content – 4 Ideas for the Perfect Cover Letter Format As a jobseeker, you know the importance of a resume, but often ignore cover letter format. Some people may think a cover letter template is just a simplified resume or summary of the job information they found on a professional HR website, others hire cover letter writers online to help write their content for them. However, they may never realize that their cover letter format for resume is the reason they aren't landing the jobs they want. In order to achieve the best cover letter format, st... view article details

From the Wording to the Format, Think Hard About What Goes on Your Resume The Importance of a Plan Developing a resume, especially when it’s your own, can be a nail-biting experience. Most people do not have to use a resume except every few years so getting the resume ready is not like writing an email – something that is done every day. There are so many different aspects to a great resume -- content, wording, style, format, design -- but most importantly, strategy. The strategy part is where most people miss the boat and fall in the water. Most job seekers do not consider the audience and... view article details

Interviews are full of uncertainty, and as you wrap up your final conversations, you will be eager to look for signs you got the job. An excellent interview can emphasize relevant skills and experience, leave a good impression on your future boss and colleagues, and lay a good foundation for entering the workplace. At it’s core, the interview is an interaction between people: the interviewer(s) and the interviewee. Throughout the interview process, there are a couple of key indicators to look for that suggest your interview is going well. So, what are the good signs that your interview went we... view article details

One of the most important goals of your performance review is to help you develop professionally. At the same time, the company will set goals for you to help it achieve its objectives. So at both an individual and corporate level, performance reviews are about future excellence as much as past accomplishment.If you help set your own goals, the chance of your meeting them will be higher. Think carefully about what you can realistically do to achieve your targets.Your action plan for professional development should provide answers to the following questions.What areas of your performance do you... view article details

You May Hate Your Boss, But You Still Have to Get Along to Succeed How to Deal With A Boss You Hate And Still Keep Your Job Maybe your boss is a militant micromanager. Or maybe he’s like Dabney Coleman’s character in the hit movie 9-5 and he’s simply a sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot. In short, you have a boss from hell. Thing is, while you loathe your boss, you still love your job — and would like to keep it. Here is how to deal with a boss you hate: 5. Take a Look in the Mirror The first step toward improving a relationship always starts with accountability. So take a goo... view article details

Q. I'm an HR generalist. I've been with the same firm for five years, hired as an executive assistant to the president making $32k, one year later became administrative manager, then at the end of last year was promoted to HR manager, making $50k. I was promoted with the expectation that our company would grow rapidly. That reality has not taken place and although I have plenty to do in my role, I'm getting back the office management responsibilities I previously owned. I've handled five office lease expansions, telephones, benefits, new hires, orientations, terminations, etc. I have excelle... view article details