While 2011 college seniors are excited about closing the door on one part of their life, it's common for them to feel pressure as it pertains to next steps. Some graduates may have already landed a job, but others may still not have a clue as to how to start their job search or what type of company they want to work for.So where are the best places to work for those just graduating? Experience.com has done the research and compiled a list of the top 20 Best Places to Work for Recent Grads. The companies on this list range from a wide variety of industries, and they're hiring! In fact, these co... view article details

The Income Gap & Why We Should Care Two weeks ago, we looked at some numbers that suggested the gap between rich and poor in the United States is growing. Last week, we considered some possible reasons for this growing inequality.This week, we answer perhaps the most important question: So what? The numbers suggest the real income of the poor is holding steady; it is the soaring income of those at the top that is widening the gap. Why then should that one number -- the difference between the top and the bottom -- be of concern?According to several analyses, income inequality can cause... view article details

Go for Broke Without Being Broke Currently, there are around 23 million people either out of work or underemployed, and the number of people out of work for more than six months has doubled in the past three years. Understandably, the pressure to get a job can make it easy to develop a find-work-at-all-costs mentality.However, this approach isn't necessary and can even be hazardous to your job search. To launch an effective job search and avoid going into unnecessary debt, consider these money-saving tips.6. Apply for Unemployment It may be obvious, but applying for unemploym... view article details

Compensation SurveysPaying people fairly is good for business. Underpay, and employees will eventually look for a better offer. Overpay, and the payroll budget and profitability will suffer. That's why companies use market data to research the value of their jobs. But what is 'market data' anyway?To determine the prevailing rate for a job, companies can 'benchmark' jobs against compensation surveys that are detailed and specific to the companies' industries and regions. A good compensation survey uses standard, proven methods of data gathering and statistical analysis to determine how much com... view article details

Working in the airline industry can take you places. Even from an elevation of only 110 feet -- the official above sea level height of the city of Everett – which is the site of The Boeing Company’s commercial airplane plant on Washington state's northernmost coast. The career path of Bridget Beckmyer-Johnson provides clear evidence of the 'sky’s the limit' type of opportunities available to the dedicated employee. Her passion for people and learning has transported her from an entry-level position as an airplane “sealer” all the way to management during her 15-year tenure at the plant.Between... view article details

Do you think you are underpaid for the work you do? Have you recently received a pay raise and been disappointed at the increase amount? Would you like to unload on your boss for undervaluing you? Before you lose your cool and say something you may regret, follow our advice on how to prepare for and conduct a successful salary negotiation.Step One – Understand Your Role Make sure you understand your role and responsibilities and how your position contributes to the organization’s success. You and your employer will need to agree on your jo... view article details

When you think of introverts, vocal power may not be the first thing that comes to mind. Yet, you have the potential to express yourself with your voice fully and authentically—regardless of whether your greatest source of energy is cocooning or mingling, and whether your voice is typically soft or loud.In this two-part interview (read part 2 here), I invited Barbara Rubin, a theater director as well as a dialect and vocal coach for stage and film, to tell how to get the most from your speaking voice. Rubin and I have collaborated over the years in different arenas, each of us wearing differen... view article details

The Beam family has preserved their reputation as dedicated and accomplished distillery owners, bourbon crafters, and businessmen for more than 200 years. Jim Beam’s quality bourbon has been in production since the 18th century and prevailed through prohibition. Seven generations later, the Beam company continues to evolve with the help of their determined employees. If you ask Marvin Stone, maintenance supervisor at the Booker Noe plant in Kentucky, he will tell you that Beam’s supportive environment is an essential piece to the companies success. “I have never worked anywhere before where th... view article details

Whether you're one of many workers in a row of cubicles or the CEO with the sweet corner digs, your office is the place where you are expected to create, inspire, come up with ideas and do your best work. But if you're spending more time in your office managing stress and frustration than you are doing your job, it could be time to inject a little feng shui into your day.Feng shui, an ancient art and science developed in China more than 3,000 years ago, focuses on creating a harmonious environment using the principles of natural energy flow. As Asian culture has become more popul... view article details

Most employees don't know how to negotiate. Many feel they are underpaid for the work they do, yet they wait until their yearly performance review to begin salary negotiations. Where and when do you begin? Now is the time to convince your boss.According to Lena Bottos, CCP, GRP, if you wait until it is time for your yearly performance review, you'll be too late. Bottos, who is Managing Director of Compensation at Salary.com, shared the following steps with us to help you start off on the right foot and make sure you are in position for a raise.1. Define Your Current Job The first step... view article details