This world would be a better place if none of us had to deal with a cranky boss who has unrealistic expectations. It would also be helpful if the pot at the end of the rainbow could be found behind your local Starbucks. But that’s not how things work and until they do you’ll have to figure out how to deal with your boss. To come up with a viable strategy we can look to the characters on the classic television show "Gilligan’s Island." Each castaway exhibits one of five distinct personality traits. Once you know which category your boss falls into you’ll have a better idea of how best to work with him or her. And if nothing works, you'll need a guide on how to quit. Just sit right back... The Millionaire -- Here we have the Narcissist. He has an inflated ego, views his employees as his personal waitstaff and may or may not speak with a clenched jaw. He is assertive, goal-oriented and success-driven. He does not tolerate incompetence. How to cope In short, you’ll need to stroke … [Read more...] about What Gilligan's Island Can Teach You About Your Boss
Career Advice Blog
How to Convince Your Employer to Pay for School
Many employers are willing to pay to advance your education. Taking classes while working full time can be a tall order, but the best companies want their workers to thrive, grow, and feel challenged.Just because your company handbook makes no mention of tuition reimbursement doesn’t mean your boss won’t pay to send you back to school.Increase the odds of attending a (virtual) graduation ceremony on the company’s dime by being able to answer these seven questions:What’s in it for your employer? You already know what you’ll gain by advancing your education, but your strongest case is showing the employer what’s in it for them—specifically, what’s in it for your direct supervisor. Since this person will need to seek approval, you’ll need to get him on board by outlining what he’ll gain from helping your continue your education.What concerns will your boss have? Most companies will be concerned that you’ll use them to pay … [Read more...] about How to Convince Your Employer to Pay for School
Animals in the Workplace – No, Not Your Boss!
My officemate is a slightly demented 3-year-old. Actually, he’s 15½ and a cat. When he wants something, like dinner, I get an earful of his yowling Siamese heritage. "I want it NOW!" A few minutes later he is likely to forget we’ve been there, done that. But I wouldn’t trade him for even your BFF human co-worker.Having your pet at work is one the best perks of working at home. But even in traditional workplaces, I’m noticing that an animal at work is becoming more acceptable. At the dentist awhile back, I could feel someone sniffing my foot. Since the hygienist was cleaning my teeth and I assumed the dentist wasn’t admiring my footwear, I wondered what was up. It was the resident Golden Retriever. He was a honey and I imagine having him there is very calming for patients.Why Not?I’ve heard all the arguments against having your pets at work; people are allergic, they’re distracting and some people are afraid of dogs/cats. Obviously, some … [Read more...] about Animals in the Workplace – No, Not Your Boss!
10 Top Career Apps
If you haven’t noticed, there happens to be an app for everything these days! Whether it be the iPint or the Ocarina, which means you can now drink beer and whistle a tune all at the same time, it just so happens there are some very useful apps for the career world. If you don’t have these on your phone yet, here’s a few of the best career apps on the market. To Find a Job 1) Career Builder Just like the online version and with all the same user capabilities as the online layout, the CareerBuilder app is super easy to use and boasts a 2-million-job database. It knows your location and searches for local jobs based on an easy keyword search. 2) Indeed.com The app for the noted Indeed.com website (a Jobacle favorite) has joined the top ranks of career apps and was listed as one of the top 10 most useful iPhone apps by pcmag.com in 2009. As with CareerBuilder, you can search for jobs, save searches and email job postings. 3) Job Finder Job Finder does much of the work for you. … [Read more...] about 10 Top Career Apps
Fake Job Post: Bill Starway Wants Your Credit Report
Craigslist strikes again. A hotbed for scammers, pedofiles and sexual deviants, the free online classified advertisement board is still a go-to website for many job seekers. In reality, there are real opportunities listed; I know, I've made some legitimate money. But let the (alleged) scam below be a reminder to be vigilant when looking for a job on Craigslist. These credit fraud punks have been sending the following email to job seekers -- from Nashville to Long Island -- who knows where they will strike next! --------------- HelloThank you so much for your interest in our opportunity. I appreciate you contacting us.You definitely seem qualified for the position, and more so than the other 16 applicants we received resumes from. I would like to take the next step with you. However, before I am able to schedule a formal meeting, my company will require that you acquire a recent (past 14-21 business days) credit report. We started this because our company had some bad … [Read more...] about Fake Job Post: Bill Starway Wants Your Credit Report
10 Ways to Look Busy at Work
Well, for starters, you should probably stop reading blogs while on the clock, but hey, who I am I to judge? Theoretically, this is a career advice blog, so, under the ruse that this little jewel will make you look better in the eyes of your boss, let’s just say you can keep reading. After all, if you follow my lead, you should have him thoroughly convinced that you are, right now, in deep, deep thought about the analytical data behind a marketing scheme that’s destined to make his name known ‘round the globe in the next 8 months. You’re such a star employee! 1) Write “stuff” down. So, here’s the first thing you need to look busy: you need to get yourself a sharp looking notepad. I don’t really care about the color nor whether or not it’s 25% recycled, just get a classy lookin’ notepad and a pen. And write stuff down all the time. Whenever it occurs to you. Whether you’re actually making an ongoing grocery list or a new song comes through on Pandora that you want to take note … [Read more...] about 10 Ways to Look Busy at Work
How to Request a Letter of Recommendation
If you need to know how to request a letter of recommendation, our special career podcast, Reference Letters 101 is sure to help! How important are reference letters? Do they expire? Answers to these questions and more are available by simply hitting the play button... … [Read more...] about How to Request a Letter of Recommendation
Is Your Credit Score Hurting Your Job Search?
Are you looking for a new job? In addition to making sure your resume is in order, you may want to take a look at your credit score and your credit reports. Many potential employers pull your credit file before they hire you. No, it doesn't seem fair; if your finances were in such great order, you might not need a new job, right? Right or wrong, here's their rationale: - Studies show that employees with extensive debt or who are in financial trouble are at greater risk of committing corporate fraud or embezzlement. - As the self-improvement gurus say, “How you do one thing is how you do everything.” If you're irresponsible with your finances, you may be irresponsible on the job, too. (They say!) - If your finances are a mess, you may have trouble concentrating, which could lead to poor work performance. (Again, isn't your financial mess why you need the job in the first place?) Raise Your Credit Score in a Hurry If your credit score is less than stellar, there are ways you … [Read more...] about Is Your Credit Score Hurting Your Job Search?
Top 7 Workplace Etiquette No-Nos
At the risk of sounding like an old f—t or Andy Rooney (My apologies, Mr. Rooney, I didn’t mean to imply anything), what is wrong with people these days? Is observing a few rules of society at work such a difficult thing?This AMEX Open Forum article, "Ten Etiquette Blunders," made me a little nutty. How can people really not know how to act at work? I work from home now, so I don’t deal with this stuff. But I’ve worked in more offices than I care to count. Here’s my own list of work etiquette no-nos.1. Get out of my space, man. Editor Andrew addressed this very well in his post, "Violated at Work: The Death of Personal Space." With respect to people of other cultures who have different norms about this issue, in the U.S., most people don’t like “close talkers.” Please observe my boundaries. Don’t sneak up on me in my cube from behind or even think of touching me to get my attention.2. TMI. Do we really need to … [Read more...] about Top 7 Workplace Etiquette No-Nos
6 Ways to Lose Money from Lack of Sleep
What is the first comment from coworkers at the water cooler? "Man, I'm tired. I couldn't sleep." And most everyone else nods in agreement. Yes, we're all tired. Sleep deprivation is as rampant as fat rolls in our United States, yet we assume it's a price we pay to get ahead. Sure, I'm tired, but I'm getting 6 hours of sleep. That's enough, right? While a very small percentage of the population thrives on 6 hours of sleep, if you're constantly tired, you aren't in that elite group. You may feel like sleep is a waste of time, or just something old people do, but the fact is getting even an hour less of sleep per night has drastic, long-lasting effects. Sleeping 6 when you need 7 (or probably closer to 8) hours means you're losing out on an entire night of rest every week. Just what will this "cost" you in the long run? 1. Blood Pressure MedicineA recent study found that people who get less than adequate sleep are significantly more likely to increase their blood pressure over … [Read more...] about 6 Ways to Lose Money from Lack of Sleep