How to Work Without Walls

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


Just because you work your way up the corporate ladder doesn't mean there's a corner office waiting for you. In fact, there may not be any office at all. Open floor plans are all the rage in big businesses these days, encouraging teamwork and communication among employees.

If you're coming from a company where you had an office, or your current employer is transitioning to open-space seating, there will be a period of adjustment. Use these tips to survive and thrive no matter where you sit.

1. Tune in to tune out.

Listening to music at work has become more acceptable in recent years. Take your mp3 player or iPod to work and tune out the noise around you with your favorite music and some headphones. If you find that most music is distracting, try some classical selections. If that doesn't work, opt for noise-cancelling headphones. Just be sure you're not tuning out so much that you're not aware when your phone rings.

2. Good fences make good neighbors.

It's normal to feel a bit self-aware and uncomfortable in your new seating arrangement, particularly if you're "thisclose" to your new neighbor. If you can't move past it, try to create a soft border using a carefully placed bulletin board or a stack of books. If that isn't possible, play around with repositioning your computer monitor to give you the most privacy possible.

3. Conference rooms aren't just for conferences.

If you're working in an open-space environment, there's probably more than one conference room. Utilize these private spaces to have sensitive conversations and to take very personal phone calls (your neighbors really don't want to hear you discussing medical conditions with your physician, for example). A conference room can also be used if you need to work on something that requires extreme concentration and quiet. If this isn't possible where you work, speak with your supervisor about working off-site or at home on the days you're tackling such projects.

4. Give it time.

The first few days and even weeks of sitting at a workstation may seem bizarre, frustrating, and impossible. However, you will get used to it. You'll become less aware of your fellow workers' phone conversations and foibles and more focused on yourself and your work. You also may find that you enjoy having immediate access to members of your team. As a result, you may start to build new friendships and create fun workplace routines.

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Avoiding Isolation When You're the Only Minority

by Denene Brox, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Despite advances in corporate diversity initiatives, there are times when minority employees have that "Lone Ranger" feeling on the job.

Make Connections

According to Sondra Thiederman, author of "Making Diversity Work," the key to avoiding feelings of alienation, whether at a small or large company, is to find ways to connect with your coworkers.

"Begin to focus on what you share with your colleagues, rather than how you differ. Race and gender are just one aspect of who we are," explains Thiederman.

"We all have dozens of interests, values, and priorities which are very likely held by others in the organization. Reach out to people, have conversations and be open with what you care about. Sitting next to you just might be a colleague of any color with whom you can form a genuine friendship."

Avoid Speaking for All

Another key in avoiding isolation is to resist any urge to be the "spokesperson" for your race or gender even if you feel pressure to act as one.

"Individuals who represent a minority group on a team or in an organization run the risk of being seen as symbols of their particular category rather than as individuals," says Robert Rodriguez, assistant dean of the Graduate School of Management at Kaplan University. "That is why minority employees should resist any pressure to be an 'expert' on all issues related to their race or ethnic group. Don't make educating others about the unique aspects of your cultural or ethnic heritage or overcoming stereotypes your sole focus."

Address Incidents With Professionalism

Even if you've made your best effort to be seen as an individual, discrimination may still rear its ugly head. If a situation arises that you feel is inappropriate, you need to address it with professionalism -- not heated emotions.

"The first step is to take a beat so that emotions can settle down," says Thiederman. "Even a couple of hours will give you a chance to collect your thoughts so you can recount the incident accurately."

"Second, find out who is the appropriate person to approach, such as a manager or someone in human resources," she says. "Talk to someone who is trained to handle such situations with confidentiality, tact, and fairness for all concerned."

"Your main concern should be delivering superior results to quench any doubts about your ability," says Rodriguez.

Check Your Perspective

A lack of diversity isn't necessarily a bad reflection on the company. A number of factors could be at play, such as a small staff.

Precious Kirk, vice president of creative affairs at Emerson Consulting Group in Everett, Massachusetts, is the only African American female on a staff of 10.

"Working within this company I do not have a problem being the only minority. We work so closely together that it becomes a situation in which I really don't think about it too much," says Kirk.

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How to Change Jobs Without Changing Employers

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


A bad boss, boredom, or a lack of opportunity -- each of these factors can prompt you to want to change jobs. But what if you're loathe to leave an employer you love?

The answer is simple, but the process may not be: Try to arrange a transfer to another position. Follow these steps to make sure you don't make a misstep when making your move.

Don't Jump the Gun

It's no secret that breaking into a particular industry may require you to accept one position and ultimately transfer to another that will put you on your intended career track. Employers are well aware of this, but typically an employee is expected to remain in a job for a minimum of six months to two years. Find out what your employer's expectation or policy is and honor it.

Investigate Your Opportunities

Many large companies prefer to promote from within and will keep a comprehensive internal job board. Consult it regularly to determine if there are positions that interest you and whether or not you're qualified for them.

If you're desperate to transfer but there aren't openings you're qualified for, find out if there are any hard-to-fill positions that your employer may be more than willing to train you for.

Follow in Someone Else's Footsteps

Sure, some people like to boldly go where no man or woman has been, but it's so much easier to follow in someone else's footsteps, particularly where a transfer is concerned.

Ask around and find a few folks who have transferred to different positions and ask them for advice about dealing with your boss, your human resources representative, and the transition.

Find Your Replacement

Your supervisor may not be amenable to a transfer because she values your knowledge and work -- and she dreads the process of trying to fill your shoes.

As soon as you know you're serious about transferring, start scouting around the company for someone who may be interested in your position. Tap your extended network as well. If there's talent waiting in the wings, your boss will be more supportive of you moving on and up.

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Returning Vets: Employers Want You!

Veterans Have Advantage in the Battle for Talent
by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


There's a competitive war for talent being waged in companies across the United States, and people with military backgrounds stand to win.

The Skills Have It

Discipline. Loyalty. Leadership. "Sticktoitiveness." These soft skills can be hard to come by in job applicants -- but not those with military experience.

Bob Putnam, senior manager of retail HR development for RadioShack, agrees. "At RadioShack, the core values that we hold near and dear are integrity, pride, trust, and teamwork. That's really what people in the military are all about, and that's what makes candidates with a military background perfect for RadioShack."

Employee retention is an important factor in winning the war for talent, which is why recruiters look to this pool of professionals.

"One of the wonderful things about military people is that they are trained to be extraordinarily loyal," says Peter Weddle, publisher of employment resource guides at weddles.com.

Leadership Abilities Stand Out

Technology giant Perot Systems actively recruits talent with military experience. Mark Williamson, senior military recruiter, notes, "Many of our top leaders and managers in the company have a military background. These individuals have been instrumental in our company's phenomenal growth."

Companies like 7-Eleven and Cintas are also fans of the military's brand of leadership. Sally Hart, national military recruiting director for Cintas, says, "Military people lead from the front. They get in and get their hands dirty and they don't mind doing the job themselves."

Weddle, a graduate of West Point, adds, "The military is the most diverse workforce, and the people in it have learned to embrace that diversity and work well in teams within it."

Military Jobs Translate Well

Perot Systems recruits "individuals of high moral character, who are calm under pressure, and who are comfortable with technology," according to Williamson. Many veterans fit the description.

"In today's modern military, folks coming out have sophisticated technical skills," Weddle says.

Many other hard skills acquired by military service members may be made for private-sector employers.

"There are certain occupations in the military that are a great fit for us," says Cintas' Hart. "Support occupations, such as intelligence, military police, supply -- these folks all understand customer service. Artillery, infantry, armory, and other front line folks understand an industrial environment. They haven't been sitting in an office or a cubicle all day and we're not going to have them doing that either."

Hiring Hints from the Insiders

"Highlight your leadership abilities and provide examples of how you've motivated and developed others as well as examples of where you've been a team player," reveals Richard Kenny, SPHR, field staffing manager for 7-Eleven. (View current openings at 7-Eleven.)

"Smile (during the job interview). That's tough for folks getting out of the military. They're told to be all business, but they need to get their personality across to hiring managers and recruiters," advises Sally Hart from Cintas. (View Cintas job listings.)

"It is definitely important to de-militarize your resume [of jargon]. Also, I would encourage candidates to read Web articles and books on interviewing, specifically behavioral interviewing," says Mark Williamson, senior military recruiter for Perot Systems. (View openings at Perot Systems.)

"We have lots of stores near military bases. A lot of military folks were my customers when I first started out," says Radio Shack's Putnam. "Go in to a store and talk to our people to see what working with us is really like." (See Radio Shack listings.)

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Success Strategies for New or Recent Grads

by Denene Brox, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Many students head to college thinking that they signed up for a four-year delay of the real world. Students who major in socializing often miss an abundance of opportunities to develop the skills needed for success after they graduate. If you're a senior or recent grad, it's still not too late to develop these skills.

Here are some tips to jump-start your career:

Get out of the Classroom

If your primary goal in college was to get a high GPA or to learn just for the sake of "becoming a well-rounded person," you're probably not focusing enough on skills.

"College provides access to student organizations, jobs, internships, and access to adults who have something to offer," says Bill Coplin, author of "10 Things Employers Want You to Learn in College."

He cautions students against getting too wrapped up in scholastics that they lose sight of other opportunities. "Students are treated as if they were to become professional scholars in their fields," he says. "Hence they spend their time learning theories of this and that which have very little backup and are so abstract as to be meaningless in a real-world context."

Gain Solid Experience

The key is to get out of the classroom and get some practical experience on your resume. Coplin encourages students to take courses that require project- and community-based activities.

Jeffrey Allen Miller, an online news editor at Think & Ask in New York, says that a journalism course he took in college required students to get articles published in three legitimate publications in order to get a passing grade. "Students walked away from the class with three good clips to use in their job hunt," he says.

Rethink Grad School

Still not sure what you want to be when you grow up, even after college? Don't be lulled into thinking that grad school will provide the answers.

"Don't go to graduate school unless it is a professional school and you are sure you want it," warns Coplin. "Otherwise get a job or do a one- or two-year service commitment, such as Teach for America, the Peace Corps, or thousands of other similar options."

Coplin says that getting a job is like graduate school, except that "you learn more, you build your resume, you can better explore your career interests and, best of all, you get paid around $40,000 instead of paying that amount to a graduate program."

Alexandra Levit, author of "They Don't Teach Corporate in College," agrees that skills are better developed by working. "You'll naturally acquire the skills needed to succeed (diplomacy, initiative-taking, and networking) by spending a few years in the workforce," she says.

Volunteer

"Many people do not give back to their communities, which is a big mistake both careerwise and from a personal point of view," says Coplin. "Doing good (such as doing service work mentioned above) can be great for both skill development and job exploration."

Experience -- whether it's volunteer or professional -- is an essential complement to your degree for getting ahead in the world of work.

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Recruiter Roundtable: Cover Letters

by Yahoo! HotJobs


The Recruiter Roundtable is a monthly feature that collects career and job-seeking advice from a group of recruiting experts throughout the United States. The question we put before our panel this month is:

In this age of uploading or emailing resumes, how important are cover letters in your decision to interview a candidate?

Use It Strategically
My belief is that as long as a candidate meets the obvious basic criteria for a specific position, a well-articulated cover letter will only enhance their chances. A cover letter can also be useful to tackle an obvious weakness relative to an advertised role, usually a credential that is "required" (e.g., CPA or MBA) by pointing to equivalent training or experience. Overall I am a supporter.
-- Anu Datta, executive recruiter, Korn/Ferry, San Francisco

Channel the Effort Elsewhere
Unless the job seeker is making a significant career change (i.e. different field) or is a fresh college graduate, I rarely look at a cover letter. It may be necessary to explain your position and bridge your experience to the position of which you are applying. Resumes are typically scanned and cover letters skipped over completely in evaluating potential candidates for first-round interviews, so it is advisable to either say what you must in the body of the email with a resume attached, or customize your resume toward each and every position you seek.
-- Lindsay Olson, partner, Paradigm Staffing

Say Something New
If I like someone's resume for a specific position, then I read the cover letter. Mistakes or typos in a cover letter have an impact on my impression of the candidate; I recommend getting a second set of eyes to review any cover letter. Cover letters tend to be fairly similar, so take up the challenge of making yours stand out. Tell me something about your professional history that I would never know from your resume -- HOW you lead a team to success on a project, for example.
-- Ross Pasquale, owner, Monday Ventures

It's All About the Resume
About 75 percent of the job seekers that have applied online for positions I manage do not attach a cover letter. What does that mean for me? I make most of my decisions to schedule an interview based strictly on resumes. When a job seeker includes a cover letter, I reward their effort by contacting them to thank them for their interest whether or not it leads to an interview. Who knows where that interaction might lead?
-- Cheryl Blackman, recruiter for Wells Fargo -- Texas Human Resources

Yes, They Make a Difference
A good cover letter -- one that captures my attention because it is targeted to the position and highlights specific areas of expertise that the hiring manager is looking for -- can make the difference between whether or not I call someone for an interview or leave them in the "maybe" file. A great cover letter will persuade me to call you for an interview even if you may be lacking in some of the qualifications needed for the position. A poorly written cover letter tells me everything I need to know about you; you won't be called for an interview.
-- Cheryl Ferguson, recruiter, The Recruiter's Studio

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Five Soft Skills You Need to Succeed

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


"Hard skills" vary from industry to industry, and your mastery of them is what will help you get started in your career. "Soft skills" are what will ensure your success in any line of work and help you rise through the ranks.

Here's a quick profile of five skills that will help you get ahead.

1. The Write Stuff

Instant messages and texting via mobile devices have become a standard part of business, but the shorthand and lingo used therein will never render formal business writing obsolete. A terrific way to stand out and impress clients and colleagues alike is to craft clear, well-written, and grammatically correct messages. If written communication isn't your strong suit, take a continuing education course at your local college or business school.

2. Lead Meetings That Matter

Like it or not, meetings remain a necessary reality in corporate America. As you advance in your career, you'll have to call and lead more meetings. Win the admiration and respect of your coworkers by organizing focused and concise meetings. Create a strict agenda. Have clear start and end times, and enforce them. Make each meeting interactive and try to involve every attendee in some way.

3. Excellent Etiquette

Talent cannot be taught, but etiquette can. Open an Emily Post book and find out how to master the art of the business handshake. Learn how to conduct yourself during a business luncheon. Make sure you know how to behave on business trips. And remember to never make an "-ist" of yourself (i.e., a racist, sexist, narcissist, etc.) with an off-handed remark or inappropriate behavior.

4. Negotiation Know-How

In the words of Kenny Rogers, you've got to know when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em. Learn to love the art of negotiation. Becoming a pro at negotiating means you can always go to bat for yourself and your employer, which usually translates to higher returns for each. Practice negotiating in your everyday life -- with your mechanic, at the store, with friends and family -- to become a natural in no time.

5. Make Powerful Presentations

Presentations may not be part of your current job, but they are sure to be on some level as you move into management.

The best presentations aren't about how impressive your PowerPoint files are; rather, they are about how passionate and persuasive you are. Practice will help you hone your presentation skills so that you're comfortable and able to convey your enthusiasm. If you need extra help, join your local chapter of Toastmasters or take a class in public speaking.

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The Perils of Being a Go-Getter

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


If you are sick of going through the motions at work and want to get ahead, it's always a good idea to be proactive in seeking growth opportunities or getting the job done in new ways. Your supervisor will probably be pleased -- but that may not be true of everyone else in your office.

Get Ready for Resistance

You may have decided that you're ready to reignite your career, but your newfound enthusiasm may not be contagious. In fact, a lot of folks may be resistant to your renewed fervor for the job.

Don't fault coworkers for not being on the same page as you. Don't insist that your team members go above and beyond the call of duty if they aren't willing. Just focus on changes you can personally effect at your company. Your passion may turn out to be infectious eventually, but real change -- in attitude, enthusiasm, and energy -- takes time.

Be Prepared for Resentment

It's no secret that some people are only interested in a paycheck. Most of these folks coast through each workday, doing just enough to satisfy the requirements of their positions. When someone starts to shake up the status quo by exhibiting an intense interest in work, the "clock watchers" may start to feel like you're making them look bad.

To avoid bitter feelings, make sure you go through proper channels as you try to make changes. Don't suddenly begin acting as though you're a supervisor when you're not. You won't win any friends and the projects you were pursuing won't get the support they need for completion. Rather, enlist people to help you by asking for assistance -- if they have the interest and the time.

Suspicious Minds Aren't Far Behind

Your fresh attitude toward work may leave coworkers feeling wary of your motives. If you suddenly begin championing a project or change that sounds like it's coming from upper management, your colleagues may start treating you like you're a spy. They may (mistakenly) believe you're trying to ferret out folks who aren't team players or go-getters. As a result, you could get a certain amount of ribbing ("When did you go over to the dark side?") and find that you're excluded from water cooler conversations.

If you are bothered by the teasing or feel disconnected from good work buddies, set the record straight with a direct conversation. Tell people, "I like working here and I want more responsibility. I'm really hoping to advance." Don't talk about anyone else's apparent lack of interest or motivation, and don't apologize for your desire to do a good job and build a better career.

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Job-Search Hints for People Over 50

by JoAnn Greco, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Charmian Foster, 52, remembers feeling "quite animated" as she lunched at a luxury Dallas resort with a potential employer in December 2004, but her energy flagged near the end of the interview. Getting up at the crack of dawn to fly from Philadelphia, then spending all day interviewing before rushing to grab a return flight later that same day had left her bedraggled and sweltering in an inappropriate wool suit.

Foster later learned that the interviewer "thought I wasn't 'dynamic' enough," she says. "This surprised the recruiter, who had known me for over 10 years.

"She eventually admitted that she believed it was my age that was the issue."

Plan for a Longer Search

Workers in Foster's age group can often feel left in the dust when it comes to the perceived energies of their younger peers. But are employers and recruiters really age-ist? And how can older job seekers learn to position their advanced years as a positive?

Those are questions that we're going to start asking with increased frequency as our population ages. By 2012, 20 percent of the U.S. workforce will be older than 55, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And, despite the greater experience and job smarts of these workers,their job searches can take almost two months longer than those of younger workers, according to the AARP.

Maximize Your Skills

"If you're out of work for a year or two at this age, that's big," says John Challenger, of the Chicago-based outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. "It's crucial that someone in this group attack the search really aggressively, because he faces special challenges."

"Generational differences are huge," says Jan Cannon, of Boston's Cannon Career Development. "Younger managers see you, and they think of their parents. So you absolutely have to keep your technical skills up to speed. One way to show your potential employer that you're savvy," she continues, "is to use the Internet in your job search."

Get Your Network Involved

Challenger cautions against spending too much time with your laptop, though. "Older workers have real-world know-how, which includes getting out there and meeting all the people they've had any kind of relationship with during their work life," he says. "Get as busy as you can, don't sit at home."

Most of all, says Cannon, know yourself and your strengths. "Take advantage of the fact that you've entered a new demographic by seeking out companies that sell to your generation," she suggests. "Or look for younger or smaller companies that may be seeking mature workers to guide them to their next stage of growth."

Develop Your Script

Foster, who spent 25 years as an executive in hospital administration and is now biding her time by consulting, says she understands that as an older manager, she is "better able to authentically appreciate and motivate people while quickly sorting out what works and what does not."

The older you are, the greater the number and variety of situations you've dealt with, says Challenger. "Develop a script that emphasizes your accomplishments. Companies buy track records."

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'American Idol' and Your Job Interview

What Job Seekers Can Learn from the Hit TV Show
by Joe Turner, for Yahoo! HotJobs


If you are interviewing for a better job, try watching "American Idol," the huge money-making singing contest from Fox these days. Love it or hate it, "American Idol" (and its country equivalents) is a good metaphor for life on a number of different levels, which is one reason why it's so popular. Job seekers could definitely learn a lot by watching this show.

Branding Gets the Edge

"American Idol" sometimes feels like some weird group interview where each candidate makes his or her case to three fickle interviewers and is either advanced or "let go." Aside from the constant reminder that this is a "singing competition," we all know it's more than that. It's about that elusive quality called a "total package." Ditto the job interview.

Here's the reason why all job interviewees should take heed of the show: It's about a process called "differentiation." Some candidates understand this early, while a few just get lucky. Too often, we'll see a very weak singer retained while a much stronger performer gets cut. Some may call this an injustice, but it's not so. What's happened is that the "total package effect" came into play. A singer may win more votes, not for singing ability, but for that fact that the candidate's "brand" differentiated him or her from the pack. No one else is similar by a long shot, and that brand triggers visibility, memorability, and votes.

The moral of the story: you don't have to be the best singer, just the most remembered decent singer. Same for the job interview. You don't always have to be the best candidate with the top skills. You do have to find a way to be the most remembered, hirable candidate.

Know Who You Are

On "Idol," almost everyone who begins the show is a decent singer. Those who know who they are early in the show always enjoy a huge advantage over those who haven't a clue, even though they may be better singers. Those who understand this principle include Chris Daughtry, Bo Bice, and Taylor Hicks, to mention three.

They knew their strengths, and they stayed with them, often maddenly so. And look where they are now.

In many ways, this is not about finding and molding raw talent, it's about finding and marketing talent that's already well-branded. The interview process is much the same. The branding should occur long before you walk into the interview room. Too many job hunters try to get through the interview by merely giving the "right" answers. The real issue is they haven't a clue about who they really are or what they bring to a company.

As a job seeker, you must define your strengths and hone a message (your "unique selling proposition"). This is called branding. Branding is a process that clearly defines who you are and what clear benefit you bring to an employer.

If you can't do that, then please watch "American Idol." You'll see what awaits the next fallen "idol" who failed to learn this message in the singing world.

As a recruiter, Joe Turner has spent the past 16 years finding and placing top candidates in some of the best jobs of their careers. Discover more of his job interviewing insights by visiting his site.

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Don't Quit Your Day Job ... Yet

First Steps Toward Your Dream Job
by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


Everybody loves a great success story, particularly those that begin with someone walking away from their regular job to chase a professional dream. If have a dream but aren't ready to make such a dramatic switch, take heart. There are still ways to successfully (and prudently) pursue your dream job without quitting your day job.

Pursue It Part of the Time

What's your dream? Owning a store? Running a restaurant? Having your own yoga studio?

Take a step closer to your ideal profession by pursuing a part-time position that is as related to your dream job as possible. If you're not yet a certified yoga instructor, take on some shifts as a receptionist at a studio. If you want to run your own restaurant, try to land a job as a host or hostess or a server. Get a gig in whatever type of store you want to own one day.

If you're a reliable, well-spoken employee, most companies will welcome your part-time contributions and, in exchange, you'll gain invaluable first-hand experience.

Investigate an Internship

If you're unable to take on a part-time position, try doing an unpaid internship in your ideal field. Internships can be of varying duration, from one week to many months. Unlike a job, internships often offer more flexibility in terms of when and how you fulfill your commitment. Also, you may be able to rotate through a variety of departments or positions, which will allow you to gain a more complete perspective on the realities of your dream career.

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Resisting the Telecommuter's Temptations

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


Most employees relish the opportunity to work remotely on occasion. The commute becomes a matter of steps, not miles. And you might get to enjoy an extra hour of sleep before starting the workday.

But telecommuting is not without troubles. Temptation and distraction lurk at every turn. Use the tips below to stay focused on your responsibilities while you're working from home.

1. Find a productive place.

Even if you live in a studio apartment, you can create a space in your home that will be dedicated to work for the day. If you don't have a proper desk, use your kitchen table. And, even though it worked for Winston Churchill, avoid working from your bed unless you're sick. It's tough to be professional when you're propped up by pillows.

2. No surfing, please.

If you're working from home, your boss isn't likely to be looking over your shoulder. You may, then, feel the urge to do more Web surfing than you normally might at the office. Don't! If it's too tough, grab an egg timer and allot a reasonable amount of time (10 to 15 minutes) to get your fill and move on. The same goes for surfing the shelves of your refrigerator. Decide what you'll have for breakfast, lunch, and snacks early in the day so you don't waste work time wondering what you'll eat.

3. Make a to-do list to get things done.

Create a work-related to-do list at the start of your day and keep it at your side. Having a list of tasks at the ready will help you remain focused and help ensure that nothing slips through the cracks.

4. Start the day like you would any other work day.

It's fine to catch a few extra winks if you don't have to make your regular commute. However, don't stray too far from your usual morning routine. If you go to the gym each morning, do so. Don't skip your morning shower or work in your bathrobe. Rather, dress in business casual attire. It's okay to be comfortable, but if you're dressed in your PJs, you may find yourself feeling more inclined to take a nap than make a deal.

5. Do not disturb.

If you live with friends or family members, let them know that you need a reasonable amount of peace and quiet when telecommuting. Ask not to be disturbed during certain hours or only for very important matters -- and define what those matters are. If you have particularly disruptive pets, consider taking them to doggie daycare. If all else fails, set up shop in your local Starbucks, where you can enjoy great coffee and food and wireless access while you work remotely.

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Nobody's Perfect: Rebounding From Mistakes

by Doug White, Robert Half International


Even the most talented and polished professionals make mistakes. From minor mishaps to colossal blunders, to err is human. Consider these examples from a Robert Half International survey that asked executives to recount their biggest workplace blunders:

* "I pretended to throw water on a colleague only to discover my cup wasn't empty."
* "I left the boss behind and went to a meeting without him."
* "While speaking at a business event, I fell off the stage."
* "While interviewing a job candidate, I fell asleep."
* "A personal voice mail from my spouse went to someone else instead."

No matter your mishap, the important thing is how you recover. The following tips can help:

* Take corrective action quickly. After making a cringe-inducing error, your first reaction might be to dart for the door. But avoiding the situation or hoping it resolves itself will only compound the problem. For instance, let's say you inadvertently delete a key document your boss needs for a client presentation the next morning. Instead of thinking up an excuse, swiftly go into damage-control mode and contact your information technology department to see if there's any way to retrieve the file. If it's gone for good, inform your manager immediately and offer to stay late to reconstruct the document or help retool the speech. While your boss will be upset with the news, his or her reaction will be even worse if you wait until the last minute to drop the bombshell.

* Accept responsibility and apologize. A sincere "I'm sorry" can go a long way. If you stick your foot in your mouth with an insensitive or ill-timed comment, for instance, your best bet is to show remorse and express genuine concern for any colleague you offended. A heartfelt mea culpa will soothe, while attempts to rationalize or justify your behavior will only further damage your reputation. For example, saying, "I was only kidding" or accusing the insulted parties of "not having a sense or humor" invalidates their hurt feelings and adds insult to injury. You're much better off acknowledging the seriousness of the slip-up and making amends.

* Let it go. If poor planning causes you to miss a deadline, it's not uncommon to dwell on the error for a day or two. But move on once you've identified where things went awry and modify your work habits to avoid similar issues in the future. There's no benefit to obsessively analyzing the mistake. Remember that one error does not trump all of your successes, so don't let the slip-up define you.

While on-the-job blunders can be unpleasant, they don't have to be career-killing. In fact, demonstrating that you can own up to a mistake and bounce back with professionalism and integrity may even help you over the long term.

Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 350 offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. For more information about our professional services, please visit rhi.com.

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Cleanse Your Career

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


People use "cleanses" as a way to detoxify their bodies. Advocates believe cleanses remove toxins, restore energy, and increase mental acuity. Wouldn't it be wonderful if you could do just that to your career?

Try it with the simple steps below, and make a fresh start.

Cut out Toxic Coworkers and Conversations

Start your career cleanse by tuning out colleagues who complain incessantly. If someone comes in to your office and starts griping about work or another coworker, do not engage or indulge them.

Certified holistic health counselor Trish Balbert says, "Negativity like this flavors your whole day and the environment. Who wants bad energy floating around the office?"

End such one-sided conversations by telling your associate that you need to get on a call or attend a meeting. He will eventually figure out that you aren't interested in his grousing.

Take Small Bites

Are you weighed down by incomplete projects that are lingering from the long winter?

Balbert, the founder of Awaken Wellness, a Manhattan-based holistic health private practice, advises breaking down large, intimidating projects into smaller pieces. She counsels, "It's important to take small 'bites' when sinking your teeth into a big assignment. It makes it less overwhelming -- and more digestible."

Being honest about what your priorities are is also helpful in completing past-due projects and tasks, she says. "People often put things in order of how important they think tasks should be rather than how important they actually are." To accomplish more, she adds, "It's best to prioritize in accordance with your true nature, rather than fighting yourself."

Make It Your Nature to Nurture Yourself

You can't always control how stressful your work day will be, but you can create periods of calm. Balbert, who is also a Reiki practitioner, encourages clients to include elements of self-care in their workdays. "Make sure you're not eating at your desk. Strip away work for an hour. Talk a walk. Go to a park. Create a routine that allows you to take care of yourself," she says.

If you have a demanding job, it may be unrealistic to say that you're never going to work late, but, Balbert recommends, "Set a limit as to how many nights you're willing to stay late, and then stick to it."

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At the Company Picnic, Etiquette Matters

by JoAnn Greco, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Memorial Day is gone, and Labor Day beckons ahead. Sometime in between, many of us are likely to find ourselves at an oft-dreaded workplace event: the company summer outing.

It's a tossup as to which comes fraught with more peril, frolicking in the sand with the pasty-legged guys from IT or shimmying with "secret Santas" at the office Christmas party. Both events are ripe with potential faux pas, says Sue Fox, owner of the Etiquette Survival Group.

"Most people seem to naturally behave better when they are dressed for a business or formal event," she says, "and the fact that a picnic or daytime event is more casual creates an atmosphere that might justify more casual behavior."

That determinedly casual atmosphere is the largest snake hiding under the office picnic table. "The goal is to be noticed -- in a positive light," says Fox. "You don't want to be the subject of gossip at the water cooler on Monday morning."

Here's how to keep the panic out of the picnic:

* Show up. Even if such events make you uncomfortable, or you can't stand the thought of spending extra time with your coworkers, skipping the party is not a good idea. "The very reason the company has these events is to thank the employees and allow them to enjoy some relaxed fun," Fox observes. "While such opportunities are not strictly part of the workday, they are an important part of your career. This is the time to introduce yourself to the CEO and senior managers. Network and mingle!"

* Be on your best behavior. "Your manners are always under examination . . . awarding or denying you very high prizes when you least expect it," Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote. The relevant insight: Your boss might be weighing a promotion.

* Indulge with caution. "As always, drink moderately and use proper table manners," says Fox. Corn on the cob and barbecued chicken on the menu do not give you leeway to turn into a slob.

* Don't be over-baring. Yes, it's casual -- and yes, it's hot. But thong bikinis, short-shorts, and too-tight T-shirts send the wrong message. "This is not the time or place to come across as sexy," says Fox, "and that goes for family members, as well." Men, too, should abide by common sense and decency: no stained T-shirts and definitely no bare chests.

* Be a good sport. Resist the temptation to play hard at the volleyball net or to venture far, farther, farthest into the lake or ocean. "The company picnic is not the time for showing off or trying to be a big shot," recommends Fox. "Play your best, but play fair."

* Mind the kids. Don't forfeit your babysitting duties if you're a parent, and watch your language -- sexual overtones, off-color jokes, etc. -- around the kids if you're child-free.

* Don't talk shop. "These events should be the time to meet other employees and their families," says Fox. Too much business chat can leave spouses and others feeling left out.

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Hold on Tight: Gen Y Is Driving

by Roberta Chinsky Matuson, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Say the words "Gen Y" in the workplace, and you may hear lots of grumbling from boomers and Gen Xers. This young generation is not interested in paying their dues, say their elders, many of whom had to fight their way to the top.

Gen Y is receiving a lot of negative attention, but is it all well-deserved? Here are some of the many positive attributes this group of young employees is bringing to the workplace.

Work-Life Balance

Of course, the balance depends on your definition. But how balanced is your life if you bring your Blackberry to bed? Do you take business calls while watching your son's soccer game?

When Gen Y employees leave the office, most are done for the day. And like generations before them, they are committed to doing things differently than their parents. This means leaving the office in time to pursue passions that don't involve work. We could all learn a thing or two from their approach to living a more balanced life.

Tech Savvy

We thought Gen Xers were tech-savvy. Wait until you can see what this generation can do with technology. This group is fearless. Before you pick up the phone to call for technical support, give one of these employees a chance to fix the problem. They'll have the situation resolved before you're done listening to Beethoven's Fifth Symphony while holding for assistance on the help line.

Tipping the Status Quo

If you have worked with Gen Y, you may already be accustomed to hearing, "Why are things done this way?" Is that necessarily a bad thing? Not if you are interested in improving your organization. This generation is constantly challenging the status quo. Encourage them to continue to challenge how things get done, and change the way you do things when a good idea is presented.

Two Heads Are Better Than One

If you are into the team approach, you are going to love working with this generation. This group has grown up playing on teams. They seek opportunities to collaborate. You'll get the most productivity out of them when they are working with others for a common cause.

Like it or not, the latest generation to hit the workplace is going to be here for a while. You might as well embrace this new approach to work.

It might even lead to increased profitability and more time to devote to other things besides work. Now that's a healthy balance we can all live with.

Copyright 2007 Human Resource Solutions. All rights reserved.

Roberta Matuson is president of Human Resource Solutions, a firm that provides consulting and training to resolve intergenerational conflicts and help companies capitalize on the unique generational perspectives of their workforce. For more information, please visit www.YourHRExperts.com.

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Get Serious About Your Career in Four Steps

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


Summer and all its trappings -- reduced hours, vacations, lazy days -- are terrific. But did you know you can still get serious about your career while you're having fun in the sun?

Follow these four steps to be prepared to reach new heights this fall.

1. Draw the line online.

Social networking sites can be fun, but if you're serious about getting serious about your career, it's time to move your online networking to a more purposeful level. Delete any profiles that exist on sites catering primarily to adolescents, and migrate to a structured professional networking site. You may lose a thousand "friends" or so, but you'll likely gain much more viable business contacts.

2. Take a trip with purpose.

Unplugging from work can make you a more productive professional, but you may consider combining business and pleasure on your next getaway. Instead of just sitting on a beach for a week, why not visit a city or site that is critical to your vocation? You may even arrange a tour of an industry leader's facilities. Newspapers, television studios, and manufacturers are just a few of the types of businesses that offer an inside look at their workings.

Or use your vacation as an opportunity to fill out the "Volunteer Activities" portion of your resume by volunteering with Habitat for Humanity or another worthy cause.

3. Do a little academic planning.

You can take it easy this summer, but if you want to get ahead come September, get a catalog from your local university and enroll in a class for the fall. Choose a course that will help you do your current job better or one that helps you move into management. Involve your supervisor so that she knows you're serious about advancing your knowledge -- and so that she may help you get reimbursed for the course.

4. Put a little business in your beach reading.

Society has become more than a little obsessed with pop culture. While it's fun to be in the know about Paris Hilton's jail stint when you're standing around the water cooler, it's better to be in the know about the most recent business and management trends when you're trying to be taken seriously.

So instead of taking a celebrity tabloid to the beach, start tackling the latest and the greatest business books or magazines. If you're not sure where to start, ask your boss what his management must-reads are. Also, consult the New York Times Book Hardcover Nonfiction Best Seller list, which is updated every week. Or get in the habit of reading the business section of your local newspaper as a way to stay more informed.

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The High Cost of Being a Workaholic

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


In a nation of overachievers, hard work is a virtue. If you work hard, you'll achieve your goals. If you work even harder, you'll achieve even more. Right?

Perhaps not. There are, in fact, several downsides to working too hard. Being the office workaholic can cost you coveted promotions, hurt your home life, and even turn friends into enemies. Evaluate yourself with the following five questions.

1. Are you busy ... or disorganized?

Are you constantly staying late and coming in early yet producing the same output as others? If so, your boss may come to view you as inefficient and possibly disorganized. Dave Cheng, an executive coach with Athena Coaching, says, "There are some people, type A's, who get a lot of satisfaction from doing lots of work, but the quality isn't necessarily superior."

Focus on getting your work done in a reasonable time frame. If you have perfectionism or time-management issues, ask your supervisor to help you prioritize things and learn when to let go of a task. Cheng says, "Just because you're working longer doesn't mean you're working better."

2. Are you delegating ... or hoarding?

If you have any aspirations at all to move into management, you must learn to delegate work. Again, tasks need to be completed in a timely fashion; if you're having trouble finishing a project, you must delegate to other team members, even if you happen to relish the task you're giving away.

Cheng, who has more than 12 years of experience in corporate human resources, reveals, "Some workers feel like if they do everything and they're the only one who knows how to do it, they're making themselves irreplaceable. However, sharing information and teaching others around you is a valued skill as far as management is concerned."

Focus on completion and quality and be generous enough to let a colleague learn and shine. If you lack sufficient support, ask your boss about expanding your group.

3. Are you hungry ... or is your plate full?

Once you've solidified your reputation as the office workaholic, you may find that when your dream project comes through the door, you aren't asked to work on it. Why? Your boss probably thinks you don't have the bandwidth to take on anything else. Always keep a bit of room in your schedule to sink your teeth into new challenges and opportunities.

Cheng reminds professionals, "Your ability to say no to certain things gives you the freedom to say yes to others."

4. Do you have friends ... or 'frenemies'?

Your workaholic ways are likely alienating once-valued associates. Above and beyond the obvious grumblings of, "You're making the rest of us look bad," your colleagues may dread collaborating on a project with you.

Lose the overly methodical approach, don't expect folks to come in early or stay late for meetings, and focus on process and outcome.

5. Do you work to live ... or live to work?

The best workers are well-rounded professionals with full lives, in and out of the office. Each year, new studies abound about the importance of vacations, hobbies, and enjoying your leisure time. But are you listening?

Your friends and family will be in your life a lot longer than you'll hold most jobs. Also, pursuing leisure activities you're passionate about can lead to a second career.

Cheng concludes, "Work-life balance is a choice. If you reflexively say yes to taking on extra work, you may live to regret it."

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Advancing Your Career with Social Network Sites

Should Your Boss Be a Facebook Friend?
by Robert DiGiacomo, for Yahoo! HotJobs


The invites to join Linked In, Facebook, MySpace, Ryze.com and other social networking sites are flooding your inbox from friends, colleagues, ex-coworkers, college classmates, and even your boss. Do you accept them all or weed some out? And how can you build upon these relationships to advance your career?

Like much of our virtual existence, the rules for online networking follow those of the real world: Follow-up is key, flattery works, and don't put something in writing if it could hurt your prospects.

Networking Made Easier

Adding online contacts is just the first step of networking -- you must also keep in touch with them, says Alexandra Levit, a career consultant, blogger, and author of "They Don't Teach Corporate in College."

"Mind your networks, and make sure you're using them to keep track of people," Levit says. "One of the biggest mistakes is to make a valuable contact and let it drop."

Maintain Distinct Identities

If you would rather your boss not find out the details of your Cinco de Mayo fiesta, separate your virtual personal life from work, via dedicated social networking pages, according to Anastasia Goodstein, founder of the YPulse.com blog and author of "Totally Wired: What Teens and Tweens Are Really Doing Online."

"Tell your boss you're setting up a page for professional contacts -- here's the link and 'friend' me there," Goodstein says. "Find a way to do it graciously, but keep it separate from your personal page."

Invitations and Recommendations

Rather than rejecting an unwanted "friend," accept the invite, but limit your interactions. "Just accepting them as a contact isn't going to do you any harm," Levit says. "Where I would draw the line is writing any kind of recommendation or endorsement of that person."

Use social networks to garner recommendations, and strengthen ties to business associates and colleagues by posting referrals for them.

"Nothing will endear you to the person more than telling them what you think of them and doing something nice," Levit says.

Keep It Confidential

Check your company's privacy policy before conducting certain kinds of business on a social network. Many companies are using search engines to monitor blogs, so watch what you say and where you say it.

"If you're talking about your top-secret product with a coworker on Facebook, I'm sure the IT department won't be very happy," Goodstein says.

At the same time, Goodstein adds, employers should spell out what's appropriate for chatting or blogging -- and what's meant for internal correspondence only.

Context Is King

When posting personal information or photos, leave out any revealing images, references to drug use, or material that might be considered politically incorrect. "Don't have anything on there you'd be embarrassed to have grandparents or religious officiants see," Levit says.

Managers shouldn't discount automatically a candidate with a questionable photo or posting, depending on whether the material violates company policy or can be chalked up to a youthful indiscretion.

"It's a great opportunity to ask them about it in an interview," Goodstein says. "Younger people have been online for most of their lives, so it could be something they posted 10 years ago, but they've probably evolved since then. You can tell by how they answer if somebody's going to be a good fit."

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Government Jobs: Extra Effort Can Pay Off

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


Do you want an employer with an established reputation? Are good benefits and an even better retirement plan important to you? Do you want to make a difference? Consider a career with Uncle Sam!

The federal government is on a hiring spree and will be for the foreseeable future. Tim McManus, vice president for education and outreach at the Partnership for Public Service, agrees. "There's a huge need to get high-quality, top talent working for the federal government," he says.

There are thousands of different jobs at more than 100 different agencies. McManus points out, "There are 193,000 mission-critical jobs that need to be filled in the next two years, but that isn't the full spectrum of jobs available." And because the majority of government jobs are located all across the United States, it's likely that there are opportunities in a city or town near you.

A lot of job seekers overlook the federal government as a viable employer. Some think it's too complicated to find a government job for which they're qualified -- when, in fact, looking for a government job requires just a bit of extra effort.

1. Find your calling.

McManus says, "One of the biggest obstacles for most people is that they simply don't understand the scope of jobs that are available with the U.S. government. The unique thing about the federal government is that the skills needs are so diverse."

So whether you're an accountant or a new graduate with a history degree, there's likely an opportunity for you. Remember as you begin researching openings that the U.S. government uses a set list of job titles that may not always mirror those in the private sector. Research job titles and descriptions at www.opm.gov/fedclass/text/hdbktoc.htm to determine the positions for which you're best suited.

2. Tailor your resume.

You may need to tweak your resume a bit when applying for a government position. Uncle Sam needs lots of details -- your social security number, the job code for which you're applying, dates and addresses for each of your employers and educational institutions, and more. Oftentimes, a federal agency may have a resume-building program you can use to apply. If not, make sure your resume is rich with details so that your credentials can be easily confirmed.

3. Follow instructions.

Federal job listings follow stringent requirements in terms of where they're listed, how to apply, who is eligible, and by what date applications must be received. You must adhere to the listing's instructions. If you don't, you will not be considered for the position, no matter how qualified you may be.

4. Follow up.

"Navigating the system is the next step," says McManus. "There may be some additional things that are required for federal employment [as compared with private-sector job searches]," he points out.

If you've applied to a government agency through the agency's online portal, you may well be able to check the status of your application online. If this isn't the case, wait a month or so after the closing date and make certain your materials have been received and that your application is complete.

5. Wait.

As with any job search, waiting is involved when pursuing work with a federal agency. Depending on the resources available, it may take weeks or even months for human resources workers to review all the applications and narrow a smaller pool of people to interview.

McManus advises federal job applicants, "You have to stay with it. If you look at the end result, the time and effort is worth it -- especially for people who want to make a difference. Working for the federal government is how they can make the biggest difference."

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