The rumblings have already started; there will be no end-of-year raises this year at my place of employment. Only time will tell if these rumors come to fruition, but I think it's safe to assume that a majority of American employees will receive smaller salary increases (if any) and should expect anemic holiday bonuses. (Unless you work at ExxonMobile)We here at Jobacle fully anticipate these 'bad news' memos to start hitting your inbox any day now. Even if your company is doing well, they are still going to safeguard the cash this go around. Since we love taking the pulse of what's REALLY happening in the workplace, we respectfully ask you to share these types of 'economic downturn' memos with us. Whether it's a slash in pay raises, a cut in hours, the merging of two entities, or no more open bar at the holiday party, let us know what's happening in your neck of the woods.At your request we will keep your submission confidential, remove the company logo, etc. Send it through … [Read more...] about Kiss Your Raise / Bonus Goodbye?
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Is Your State an Unemployment Loser?
CNN Money has released September 2008 unemployment rates ranked from best to worst by state. South Dakota takes the winning rate with only 3.2%, while the union's smallest state, Rhode Island, shamefully reports an 8.8% unemployment rate. Coincidentally, the state I am trying to move back to almost doubles the unemployment rate than the one I currently live in (OH vs. VA). Someone put the Buckeye State on an economic fitness plan!But what does this really mean? First, unemployment rates are clearly an indication of how local businesses are fairing. Second, the higher the unemployment rate, the higher your competition most likely is. Thus, you will have to try harder to land a new job or simply keep the one you have.The job market is tough right now, no matter which state you are hunting in. Here are a few tips to help you along the way. * Make a weekly resume submission goal. To figure this out, calculate how many you were previously submitted in a week’s time, and then DOUBLE … [Read more...] about Is Your State an Unemployment Loser?
Shop for the Perfect Resume Writer
In the spirit of Jobacle’s Resume Writing contest, it seems only logical to review a resume writing Web site that attempts to provide the fairest price for a brand spanking new resume. StrongResume touts a Web site that provides an “amazon.com” style approach to resume writing.In times like these, job seekers need all the help they can get; we want a reasonable price and a quick turnaround. How does a $35 start price for an entry level resume at a 48-hour turnaround sound to you? StrongResume offers resumes in four categories and lets you shop for the writer that best suits your needs: Entry level: This category embraces college students or recent grads with 1-4 years of professional work experience. Professional: This category is for those with 5-9 years of professional work experience. Executive: This is for those with 10+ years work experience. However, the website also gives a few sample titles such as VP and manager, so … [Read more...] about Shop for the Perfect Resume Writer
Time Cards Out. Hand Geometry In. Hello 1984!
Just as George Orwell predicted in his negative utopian classic '1984,' Big Brother has arrived! Not just overnight, but slowly, ever so slowly, the new corporate mindset, with its' over-obsession on worker accountability, has slithered into the workplace. Of course, and as we all know, HR, aka the Thought Police, has become not just a separate profession, but really one of the most prolific and powerful, yet stunningly unproductive, industries known to the modern American workplace.In fact, it's these corporate cops, and their big business bosses, that we have to thank for the hypocrisy of political correctness, the ever-increasing number of employee regulations that we're subjected to, and the like. It's damned ironic, if you think about it, that our employers, while perenially whining about the bottom line, can still have the gall to sink millions-yeah, milliions!-into every type of techno-crap for really only one reason, and that's to better monitor the workforce. And all under the … [Read more...] about Time Cards Out. Hand Geometry In. Hello 1984!
Is Workplace Competition Good for You?
It's often said that competition brings the best out in people. This might be true in a boxing match, on a football field, or during a Monopoly throwdown, but what does a head-to-head battle yield in the workplace?Let's look at each of the four parties involved:YOU * Pressure can lead to stress. Just the right amount can be a beautiful thing (i.e., the butterflies in your stomach when you first kissed the girl/guy). But when your competitor turns up the heat and forces you to engage when you're not interested, the stress can become too much. And stress is good friends with anger, which can lead to... * Misdirected energy. Now, instead of concentrating on work and how you can improve things, you are getting lost in "the game"-how you can best the enemy or take a competitor down. You start to make strategic moves as an individual. Before you know it, it's evident to all that you are "not a team player." However... * Being pushed to perform can help your personal development, making you … [Read more...] about Is Workplace Competition Good for You?
WorkHack: How to Keep a Weightless Diary
Readers of Jobacle.com and listeners of the Working Podcast know that we are big fans of maintaining a work diary. It's a great way to analyze your emotions and get clarity on situations you are in. It will also come in VERY handy when it comes time to state your case for a promotion or raise.Most of us don't remember what happened yesterday, let alone a few months ago.A new Website, Memiary, hopes to jog your memory. The dot com lets you keep a private online diary. What makes the product unique is that it forces the user to be succinct; allowing you to identify up to five things that you do not want to forget.While the product can be used for any type of feeling, we recommend setting up an account and using it exclusively for work-related issues. Log your accomplishments, setbacks, emotions, and so on. Here's an idea of what a daily entry looks like.Keeping a log will let you spot trends and quickly identify potential problems. You'll thank us later for the advice, trust me. … [Read more...] about WorkHack: How to Keep a Weightless Diary
Improve Your Work Chair for $1
We've already told you how to improve your workspace by visiting the 99 cents store. Now the folks at Howcast have some ideas how to improve your office chair for under a buck. Given all the corporate belt tightening, you best pay attention. … [Read more...] about Improve Your Work Chair for $1
6 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Resume Writer
More lessons from the Jobacle Resume Writing Challenge. Here are some essential questions to ask prospective writers - and yourself - before you hire someone to conduct a re-write. WHAT IS YOUR PROCESS? Understanding how the resume writer works will increase the odds that you will be satisfied with the final product. Aside from asking is you are entitled to re-writes and edits, it's important to know... HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU HAVE TO COMMIT? When I say 'YOU' I mean you the resume owner. Depending on the writer, I spent anywhere from four hours to two minutes involved in the process. Whether it was fielding questions, completing questionnaires, or exchanging e-mails, I strongly advise that you be honest with yourself on how much time you are willing - and able - to commit. I personally felt that the writers who spent more time with me did a better job, but the panel of Jobacle judges didn't necessarily see it that way. Ask what the writer's process is and how much … [Read more...] about 6 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Resume Writer
7 Versions of the Same Resume – Which Is Best?
All of the entries for the inaugural Jobacle Resume Challenge have been unveiled. I want to thank the participants, our judges, and most of all YOU, the reader. As with most experiments, we learned a lot about how we can improve the exercise for next time: and there will be a next time. In fact, the next go around will feature a lucky reader's resume getting the royal treatment. Many job seekers have e-mailed me asking what my verdict is; is hiring a professional resume writer worth the money? While I'm hesitant to give a simple 'yes' or 'no' answer, I can say that the challenge has given me a new appreciation for what resume writers do and the process involved. The decision to hire the help really comes down to what your goals are, where you are in your career, and most importantly - who the resume writer is. Over the next few weeks, there will be additional posts on resume writing and how you should go about hiring one. We also invite you to check out my resume re-written SEVEN … [Read more...] about 7 Versions of the Same Resume – Which Is Best?
Jobacle Resume Writing Challenge – 7 of 7
About: 12 resume writers accepted the challenge of rewriting my resume. Who will win? Leave a comment with your thoughts and try to sway our panel of Jobacle judges. Read more about the inaugural Jobacle Resume Writing Challenge here. Contender #7: This resume was submitted by Resumes Guaranteed, owned and operated by Andrew Greenstein. In his own words he is a "Successful Entrepreneur, Writer, Motivational Speaker, and, most importantly, Husband & Father..." Their slogan is "Nobody is IMperfect!" And we agree! The Process: The resume was written by two of Resumes Guaranteed top writers. All of my communication, however, was with Andrew Greenstein. The firm worked independently, requiring nothing from my end. The only question I was asked was regarding the format for the final deliverable.I also received a bit of advice (which I planned on and agreed with):"I recommend not posting it until all contest entries have been submitted by all contestants--so that one doesn't influence the … [Read more...] about Jobacle Resume Writing Challenge – 7 of 7