Leadership Versus Management Do you know the difference between leadership and management? In Western economies, the lines between the two have become blurred. In her book, The Seven Keys of Charisma (1997), Joanna Kozubska says: “There are times when a leader needs good, systematic management skills and times when a manager must inspire people. We have to be able to do both.” This has significant implications for the way that leaders and managers should be developed. Originally, the difference between management and leadership arose based on the perception that management was about imple... view article details

Synchronicity! We all know the resume is your calling card, and its job is to get you noticed. Since February is associated with perfect matches, use some of that synchronicity to get you noticed despite the tight job market. Focus on improving your interactions with everyone you meet during your job search to make you irresistible to hiring managers. Concentrate your efforts on key opportunities to make the most of this short month and land that big interview, ending your affair with the job search for good!Whether you are applying by posting your resume, sending emails, or dropping ... view article details

If hospitality is your cup of tea—and you don’t mind serving others—a career as a hotel manager may be perfect for you.Hotel managers oversee all aspects of hotel operations including staff, maintenance, convention and conference services, reservations, office administration, sales, purchasing, housekeeping, security, recreation, and food management. Depending on how many services a hotel provides, the manager can be responsible for everything from banquets to conventions. Managers also take into account marketing and financial management. They set room rates, approve expenditures and ensure t... view article details

Q: Hello Jack,I just completed an exploratory (group) interview and mini-individual interview with an HR Manager at a prestigious non-profit organization that services Developmentally Disabled individuals nationwide. I have 12 years in the field of Disabilities, starting out as a case manager and working myself up to two supervisory positions within the last five years with a year gap in between as I was pursuing my Masters in Social Work. I'll be  getting my MSW by 2013. I cant help thinking that I made a huge mistake in writing a salary range of $48k-$50k on my application. When I sat with h... view article details

Q. After having 12 weeks off under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to care for a newborn baby, I have decided to reduce my work hours from 40 to 30 per week. However, I am a bit uneasy about negotiating for the time.I have worked for this company for three years (I have over a decade of experience). On all of my past reviews I have been given the highest rating. I live in an area with very low unemployment and great demand for skilled employees, which will work in my favor when I negotiate for the time, but I am unsure of how to go about it.Should I begin by writing up a proposal, deta... view article details

Q. A coworker recently moved, and the owners decided not to hire a new employee. The office manager and I are splitting the extra duties. Would this be a good time to request a raise, since I am now doing more work at the same pay rate as before?A. It depends on what tasks you're being expected to take over and on how these new tasks have changed the impact, scope, and responsibilities of your job. Just because the company has increased your tasks does not mean the value of the job has increased.In many cases, a company may increase the number of tasks in someone's current job function without... view article details

Determine If Your Career Goals Align With the Job Before Accepting Dig Deeper Sarah was offered a new sales job with a reputable company. She’s been searching for six months for a new position, and quickly snatches up the opportunity after reviewing the basic salary and benefits information. But within a few months of accepting the position, she realizes the job isn’t a good fit for her. She doesn’t work well under the management style, doesn’t feel like her work is recognized, and wants a position where she is motivated and encouraged to bring innovative ideas to the team. Don’t let the e... view article details

You are an entrepreneur and your company is you.  Your paycheck is the revenue generated from the services you provide your employer.  Like any successful business, you want to maximize your revenues and retain the customer – in this case, your employer.  This is achieved by providing high quality service and charging a fee that is competitive and worthy of the value provided.  Put simply, you want to get paid what you are worth. To accurately assess your fair market value, start with reliable employer-reported pay data like that found on Salary.com and follow these three steps: Match your... view article details

It's the First & Most Important Question of the Interview This is the first of a two-part series on successful interviewing techniques.When you sit down for a job interview at a new company, the first question from the hiring manager is rarely going to be, “Why don’t you start out by telling me a little bit about your salary.”In fact, anyone that’s been on a number of interviews knows that the opening question they’ll most likely be asked is, “Tell me a little bit about yourself.”However, just because the topic of salary might not come up until the very end of the first interview -- i... view article details

Do Your Homework For our entire childhood, homework seemed like a chore or even punishment. 'OK class, take out your homework!''Go upstairs and do your homework!''You’re not watching any TV until you’ve finished your homework!'Aw, mom. But there’s a reason your parents and teachers insisted on this extra activity. When taken seriously, the extra work and practice prepares you to excel in a given task, be it algebra or literature.'Do your homework' is also the first thing any expert will tell you when preparing for a job interview or salary negotiation. Unfortunately, like an antsy tee... view article details