Way back when I remember an interview with a rock star. I don't remember who it was, but I vividly remember his answer to a question.Q: What sets famous people apart from 'regular' people.A: Tailored clothingThink about it. Even when the stars wear absurd looking clothing, it always seems to fit right.This rocker's secret was having his measurements taken in the U.S. and then having his clothes custom made overseas. In his words, it actually worked out to be cheaper than buying from your local chain store. Proving that point is new Website IndoChino. These guys will custom-tailor non-designer suits (made in China) starting at $199. Not sure if my washed up rocker friend is behind this great idea.Speaking of clothes fitting right...I need your help with a serious problem, Every day I'm being suffocated. Perhaps you read about my anticlimactic promotion. Well since then, my boss has been riding me about my tie know. I'm NOT kidding. I … [Read more...] about My Necktie Is Killing Me Slowly (and other fashion tales)
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Jobs That Can Give You a Heart Attack
When asked to list the most dangerous jobs, my mind immediately thinks of those that require physical labor: deep-sea fisherman, loggers, miners, and even pilots. Just as the workplace is changing to a more virtual environment, the dangers are changing from physical to mental. The New York Times recently had an article that named blogging as a dangerous profession after three well-known bloggers suffered heart attacks. Well of course this scared me a bit, being a blogger myself, so I decided to do some research. Stress has been the buzz word for quite a few years now and subsequently is changing the list of “jobs that are most likely to kill you.” While deep sea Alaskan fishermen and lion trainers still rank on top, other unlikely jobs are joining the list because of stress. A Canadian study completed last October showed that there was a definite link between job stress and heart problems, confirming what most knew all along. So what are … [Read more...] about Jobs That Can Give You a Heart Attack
I've Seen the Future of Online Job Hunting
I can be a fairly critical guy. I'm not afraid to identify things I don't like about something. I say this because the latest site I'm reviewing I am truly very impressed with. I have difficulty identifying a major flaw. The site is called JobScore.com. The purpose of the site is to connect job seekers with employers. "So what? There are hundreds of websites trying to do the same thing," you may say. What sets JobScore apart is the innovative technology integrated into the site. The innovation is not just for the sake of innovation, but has a clear correlation to increased usability for each party involved. Simply put, the site looks incredible and has some outstanding features that set the bar for the future of job hunting online. The gist of the site is this: you upload your resume to the site. The software identifies important information from your resume and creates a profile on the site for you. You then fill in the profile with more specific information. You can … [Read more...] about I've Seen the Future of Online Job Hunting
Common Office Body Language
Last week I noticed a rather plump-looking lady rimming a glass with her big sausage finger, whilst intermittently and seductively glancing at me. She was also twirling her long blonde hair with the index finger of her other hand. So I did what any extremely intoxicated man would do. I brought that chunky honey home and fell asleep on her back moments before intercourse. This experience opened my eyes to a whole new hidden underlying world. It conjured up the notion in me that people can be read and understood simply by their body language. So, after some quick research and a lot of unscientific induction, I have arrived at this...4 ways to utilize body language in the work place. Mirroring In body language terms, the word mirroring basically means adopting the identical gestures and postures of the person with whom you are speaking. This copying is a means by which one person “tells” the other that he is in agreement with his ideas and attitudes. This knowledge … [Read more...] about Common Office Body Language
Office Chair Racing Goes Outdoors
What happens when you head downhill and race over a ramp in your office chair? Seventy participants christened the inaugural German Office Chair Racing Championship. We're already working on the Jobacle Chair Prix to bring this magical event to the U.S. So grease those wheels and stay tuned! … [Read more...] about Office Chair Racing Goes Outdoors
The Secret to Polishing Shoes, Quickly
As a kid, I vividly recall dad sitting on the side of the bed, methodically laying out a series of tools. Included were a cloth, a wire brush, a small tin and a bottle of liquid. What the heck was all that stuff?Bring some old-school good business sense back to the work game, without the mess and the all of the tools. Totally portable and entirely fool-proof, Shine to Go shoe polisher is the latest tool you need to add to your arsenal for career success.I'm one of those unlucky blokes, who despite my limited interaction with the outside world, must be strangled daily by a necktie. That means nothing less than spit-shined shoes will do. But it never works out that way. My shirts are nice and pressed. My tie is knotted to perfection. And my favorite Cole Haan shoes look like I walked through the forest to get to work.But a clean, well-groomed, tailored look undoubtedly commands respect. According to FHM Magazine, 89% of men in the U.S. and … [Read more...] about The Secret to Polishing Shoes, Quickly
Government Workers Love Office Bingo
Our nation's desk-bound civil servants have too much time on their hands. While casually checking the Jobacle traffic logs from the past few months I noticed an alarming trend:Government workers love to play Office Bingo. Hundreds of them!For some reason, the little game we devised last year, has clearly resonated with folks logging on from a .gov computer.If you're bored at work, we kindly ask you to play along too!DOWNLOAD BINGO CARDAn ApologyWith the warmer weather cloaking NY, I'm having a little trouble keeping my blog/podcast focus. It could be my anti-climactic promotion at my "real" job, or my never-ending house hunt. Or, perhaps, just the distraction of girls in their summer clothes. Who knows. We are however working on some great future content. From the secret of the perfect shoe shine to a look at the "coolest" jobs on the planet, please subscribe now so you don't miss a beat. … [Read more...] about Government Workers Love Office Bingo
4 Work Lessons From the Pope
“Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do.” - Pope John XXIII (1881-1963) Pope Benedict XVI just wrapped up a six day trip to the United States. His trip most recently included a rally with 60,000 people at Yankee stadium, as well as a visit to Ground Zero. Everyone has their opinion on the Pope, or the Catholic Church for that matter, but discussing those controversies is for other blogs. I'm wondering; what can we learn about work from the Pope?True, the Pope has a role that is incredibly unique. It is probably difficult for you to imagine yourself in his position. Consider this: the Pope is the head of an organization with over 1 billion members. He leads a staff of over 400,000 priests and 4,800 bishops. There must be something we can learn from him about work. Indeed, I … [Read more...] about 4 Work Lessons From the Pope
The Common Thread Amongst Millionaires
Ever wonder how those Fortune 500 CEOs do it? How they make so much money, and how they keep themselves so God-damned motivated all of the time? Well, recently I came across a book entitled “How to Develop the Millionaire Mentality,” so of course I took a look, hoping to gain an insight into these hyperactive-neurotic specimens. The book says that all you have to do is focus your attention in the right direction, on the right idea and the success will follow. I was interested by it and decided to look further into the idea that there may actually be a “successful mentality.” Here is what I found in the numerous biographies and occupational psychology research I've read. Working Hard Ever since the beginning of time we homosapiens have been searching for the quick-fix solution, and who can blame us? If I had the opportunity to get rich quick, I would most certainly take it, and never look back. However, this attitude is in complete opposition to that of … [Read more...] about The Common Thread Amongst Millionaires
The Hardest Jobs to Fill
Manpower 2008 annual survey on the hardest jobs for companies to fill. Includes ranking of top 10 and commentary on why issues persist.While job categories have shifted on the list, it is clear all companies must have a plan for transitioning from baby boomers to younger generationsEngineers, machinists and skilled trade workers are among the nation's most challenging positions to fill, according to survey findings released by Manpower Inc.The 10 Hardest Jobs to Fill, as reported by U.S. employers for 2008, are:1. Engineers2. Machinists/Machine Operators (10)*3. Skilled Trades4. Technicians (4)5. Sales Representatives (1)6. Accounting & Finance Staff (8)7. Mechanics (3)8. Laborers (9)9. IT Staff10. Production … [Read more...] about The Hardest Jobs to Fill