It's a jungle out there. When conventional job search approaches leave you feeling defeated, consider unconventional methods to find a job. We've received many job hunting tips over the years. Some are a little bit crazy, while others are pretty clever. Yet, all have, at one time or another, got the job done. Don't let hiring managers get you down Don't fall into the "send resume and salary expectations" trap and forgo engaging on your own terms. Consider sending a $1 gift card and suggest meeting for coffee. At a minimum, the gift will be memorable. If the meeting happens, consider bringing ... view article details

Parting with Tradition For most of us, working on a resume is pretty uninspiring stuff. Fire up Microsoft Word, search for synonyms for “experience,” fiddle with the spacing until everything is lined up just so. Should the font be Arial or Times New Roman? 12-point or 11-point?But because we live in the digital age, there are a few brave souls among us who are turning the tedious traditional resume into something a little more creative and compelling. Personal branding websites, video resumes and social networking profiles are becoming increasingly valid ways for job seekers to distin... view article details

Dear Annette,How many times must I greet my colleagues in the hall each day? I run out of clever things to say.Overgreeter AnonymousDear Overgreeter,Any veteran of book signings, anyone of royal blood, in fact anyone who has ever been a guest of honor, knows exactly how you feel. The stress. the nagging strain of having to be On, all the time.Despite the challenges of maintaining a deep arsenal of wit, light banter handled judiciously can enhance your reputation and make you more memorable. I'm continually astonished at how frequently I am quoted. I don't even remember saying half the things t... view article details

Navigating the Social Media Minefield Spotting the mistakes of others is easy: The cringe-inducing Facebook status message. The ill-advised 'after hours' tweet. Using Foursquare to check-in at an establishment of questionable repute. While social media provides a multitude of opportunities, the flip side is indelicate revelations are always just a click away.We know, we know...YOU would never do that. But there are other social media blunders that are far less egregious you might be committing. And those mistakes could be holding back your job search or attempts at advancement.Navigat... view article details

There's an App For That Smartphones can easily become a major distraction. With games, social media, and text messages just a touch away, it's easy to fall into a procrastination trap. Fortunately, there are a number of helpful smartphone apps designed to up your efficiency on a daily basis. Rather than distracting you, these clever apps will get you back on track and increase your productivity.6. Slack Messaging programs are often lacking when it comes to collaborating on projects, plus they pose the risk of distracting you with messages from friends and family. Slack, on th... view article details