The competition is fierce in today's job market, and standing out in the crowd is more important -- and challenging -- than ever before.How do you know you're giving employers exactly what they are looking for? This article explores 12 human resources hot buttons.Hot Button 1: Results Today's employers are less concerned with your past experience and responsibilities. Instead, they want to know what you've actually accomplished. Use plenty of words in your resume and interview that end in the letter 'd' -- 'developed,' 'initiated,' 'led,' 'increased.'Hot Butto... view article details

Target These Types of Workers & Reap the Benefits Hiring rates are expected to increase, but many organizations are thinking hard about the types of people they’d like to add to their teams. Skills are obviously important, but even the most qualified candidates could be ineffective if they don't have the right cultural fit to further the company. What kind of candidates will make the best fit? Here are eight great employee types hiring managers should target: 1. This person doesn’t have to be the best or the most talented, but they are always willing to take a chance. They aren’t afraid of mak... view article details

Job interviews are stressful. But if you're unemployed and really need a job to support yourself or your family, it's not uncommon to accept a lower salary offer you wouldn't ordinarily accept. In this week's 'Ask the Salary Expert' mailbag, career coach and our salary expert Jack Chapman helps out someone who agreed to a lower salary than was discussed, but now wants to fix the situation. Is it too late? If not, how do you bring it up without stepping on anyone's toes? It's a subject filled with potential landmines, but Jack has solutions that will prevent things from blowing up in your face.... view article details

It's the rare person who doesn't feel frazzled at work these days. The threat of layoffs seems to be churning around most offices, and employees who do survive the cut often end up doing the work of their colleagues who left.No matter what's going on around you at work, these tips will help you stay calm -- before, during and after the storm.A: Ask for help If you're the type of person who insists on taking on every little task, even when there is no room left in your schedule, you're headed for trouble. Don't be afraid to delegate or call in favors. B: Breathe Regularly pr... view article details

Do you have the Boss From Hell? Is he/she an Insatiable Narcissist? Is one of your coworkers a Veteran Hack or Spineless Sycophant? If so, this podcast is for you.This week, Aaron and Wendy interview Vicky Oliver, who wrote the book 'Bad Bosses, Crazy Coworkers & Other Office Idiots: 201 Smart Ways to Handle the Toughest People Issues.' And in doing so, she provided employees everywhere with a reference guide for the various categories of horrible bosses, exasperating coworkers and just about every office problem in existence. She identifies issues, gives solutions and helps you figure out how... view article details

Real-life Leaders, Their Shortcomings, and How They Overcame Them "A business owner has to realize that, as the saying goes, 'A skunk stinks from the head down,' and a business does too," writes Bill McBean in his book The Facts of Business Life. That’s why, McBean posits, behind every great leader is a successful business. But just because you’re sitting in the leader’s chair doesn’t mean you excel at managing and motivating a team. Plenty of highly-placed executives lack essential people skills, or worse, rule with a bully’s iron fist -- it’s their way or the highway, a la TV bosses Donald T... view article details

Identify Bad Employees Before They Become a Major Problem Coworkers will occasionally have arguments. This is unavoidable and most of the time can be worked out with minimal effort. But if a formerly stellar employee is suddenly the subject of multiple complaints, and you hear his/her coworkers constantly grumbling, then you may have a problem employee. As a business owner and/or manager, you work hard and spend a considerable amount of time and money on hiring the right people. Prior experience, references, and whether or not the person will fit into your company's culture are all thing... view article details

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

Is it a dream of yours to have a job that pays over six figures? While many say money doesn't buy happiness, it can certainly alter a person's lifestyle. Although it depends on the location of the job and other factors, certain occupations are known for paying much more handsomely than others. According to Salary.com data, here are 10 jobs that pay out the "big bucks." We've also provided job descriptions for each one so you can decide if any of these jobs sound right for you to pursue.   1) School Principal: $103,217  A School Principal directs and oversees education and teaching programs for... view article details

How to Handle Personality Clashes and Conflict in the Workplace The "big personality" at work can be extremely beneficial to business in the right circumstances, but he/she can also present challenges to an employer and to colleagues. These tips offer advice for key ways on how to handle personality clashes in the workplace due to a work personality that can't be contained by cubicle walls. 1. Let All Voices be Heard Some employees are made to feel like they aren't as valued simply because the big personality speaks up more, therefore garnering more of a response. Take the opportunity to ... view article details