Career Advice Blog

DotcomArchive.org is a Web site that collects "dot com tales" in order to allow society to learn from past mistakes and successes. Now that Web site is being folded into even a more valuable research tool - The Business Plan Archive.   The site is a partnership with the Library of Congress, the Center for History and New Media, and the University of Maryland Libraries.What's cool is that you can access thousands of business records - many which you probably thought were not for public consumption.  If you are thinking of starting your own business, or work for  an evolving company, this is an absolutely amazing resource.You can also put your stamp on history by contributing your own materials and experiences  for "permanent preservation."Ask yourself, what should the citizen of 2100 know about this important episode in the history of business?The Business Plan Archive has future plans to get all Web 2.0 on us.  There will eventually be … [Read more...] about Biggest Dot Com Blunders (and Successes)

One of our most popular blog posts to date was on Caller ID spoofing.  When it was working, it allowed people to make a phone call and "fake" the Caller ID to any number they liked.  If you're still looking for this gag - and are willing to pay for it - check out SpoofCard. Of course, we don't condone or encourage any of this nonsense, but hey, it's your career and you ARE an adult, right?  Two new tools, which could be useful in the workplace, have surfaced on the Net.Oh Don't Forget is a gem when it comes to getting you out of meetings, unwanted business lunches, etc. This tool  allows you to send a text message to yourself.  You pick a time, day and message and voila - your phone will be "ringing" when you want it too.  I suggest staggering several in a row for that "family emergency."Phone My Phone has been picked up by many popular tech blogs but they are "withholding" the link.  Lame.  They … [Read more...] about Ditch Meetings! Phone My Phone Tool.

A new employment index shows that job growth among privately-held South African companies is up over seven percent.  But that's child's play!  If you're looking for a job boom - you best be packing your bags and heading to India, the Philippines or Armenia.  Each of these is expecting growth of 60 - 80% in 2007.It also looks like Citigroup might cut 5% of its workforce in the U.S. and take those jobs to India.There's also Canada. New numbers show that the Canadian economy is expected to grow at a rate of 2.4% this year - the U.S. is expected to crawl along at 2.2% - down 1.1% from last year.Is it time to leave the country? I'd never really leave the good ol' U.S. of A but my salary over the last few years has been flatter than a pancake! … [Read more...] about Need a Job? South Africa or Bust!

Is Your Workspace Killing You?When we think about pollution we automatically think about some smoke stack in Jersey coughing out smoke colored in different shades of white.  But INDOOR pollution can actually be more harmful to your health.  Indoor air pollution has been linked to a wide variety of adverse health effects, including: that never-ending cold coughing / sore throatchronic headachesbreathing difficultiesrasheseye irritationlethargydizzinessmemory lapsesDo those sound familiar?  Heck, I think I’m 9 for 9!  Now what exactly could you potentially be breathing in?  The list is rather lengthy, but a snapshot reveals: Asbestos, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide, radon – among dozens of other dangerous substances.According to the New York Times, the World Health Organization estimates that one out of every three workers may be toiling away in a workplace that is making them sick.What’s causing the problem?  That depends … [Read more...] about Death by Office: The Ultimate Firing!

The other day, some bloke at work commented on the fact that my cubicle is kinda sparse.  Aside from two tiny scenic pictures, the obligatory wallet shot of my wife and stacks of paper - there's absolutely nothing to check out.  Unlike this dude, who has been here like four minutes, and brought in a crate worth of crap. I guess he's trying to make his mark in the mud. "I'm here to stay!" Good for you, buddy. And that got me thinking about the reasons why my area is a barren wasteland.  It's not that I'm lazy or only been here three weeks.  Here's my logic: - Keeps separation between work/home.  As you all know, it's a tough juggling act - and like all relationships - there's no going backward.  Once you let someone "in" - they are there to stay. - Less gawking.  Everyone always has to glare at your monitor - why give them another reason to look over? - Easy departure.  Knock on wood, I've never been fired from a job.  But whether it's my choice or there's - I'd … [Read more...] about Why My Cubicle Is Empty

Headhunter, recruiter, placement coordinator, executive search firm - many titles with the task of filling vacant positions or getting strong applicants for ones that are difficult to fill.  Some can argue there are differences, but at the end of the day dear job hunter, they're all darn close.  If you're confused about how they work or if one of these could help you - read on!  Here's the deal:- YOU don't pay a cent.  Headhunters are contracted by corporations and paid either per placement (a percentage of your salary) or on contract.  There are many variations of how they are paid - and it's fair to ask. - Know your worth. It's important to remember that they answer to the person who hired them - so their best interest might not be with you. In other words, they are there to fill jobs and might try to get you to take a more junior position if you're desperate.- On a path. They are good if you are looking for the same type of work you currently do (or have … [Read more...] about The Truth About Headhunters