http://jobs.aol.com/articles AOL Jobs http://o.aolcdn.com/os/careers/images/AOL_jobs_logo.png http://jobs.aol.com/articles en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/15/signs-problem-employee/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/15/signs-problem-employee/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/15/signs-problem-employee/#commentsSelf-awareness is a skill that eludes many. You probably know people who view themselves as rock stars, when the rest of the world knows they're better suited to being part of the fan club. Professionally, it's not unusual for people to have a disconnected sense of their own worth. It's the person who thinks he or she was indispensable, but was, in fact, first to be let go during a layoff. Problem employees, by definition, often don't realize they are, in fact, the problem.

How can you tell if you're wearing a target on your back? Take stock of this list. If many of these items ring true, it's likely you need to adjust your approach to succeed in your workplace.]]>difficult employeelay offsmiriam salpeterproblem employeewarning signsMiriam Salpeter2013-05-15T07:11:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/08/break-out-job-search-rut/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/08/break-out-job-search-rut/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/05/08/break-out-job-search-rut/#commentsBy Miriam Salpeter

If you've been sending out hundreds of resumes and haven't heard back from one employer, stop now and commit to making several changes in your job search strategy. Looking for a job is frustrating; you're totally fed up with looking for a job and don't think there's another thing you can do to help get back to work. Even though you may be discouraged, it's likely there are some networking strategies you haven't tried yet. Once you get your job search networking in gear, it's time to move ahead with additional key strategies to get to work.

The following are additional tips to help you get out of a job search rut and back to work:]]>discouraged workersjob hunting advicejob searchnetworking tipsresume tipssocial media job searchstartiing a businessMiriam Salpeter2013-05-08T08:00:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/30/networking-tips/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/30/networking-tips/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/30/networking-tips/#commentsIt's gotten to the point where "job seeker" can be a synonym for "discouraged." How are you supposed to overcome the competition to land an appropriate job? Especially if it's been a long time since you've had to look for a position, you have a lot of obstacles to overcome. You know it's futile to sit around and bemoan how tough it is to land a job; it's up to you to act.]]>discouraged workerslong term unemployednetworkingreferralrelationshipsMiriam Salpeter2013-04-30T08:41:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/24/phone-interview-tips/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/24/phone-interview-tips/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/24/phone-interview-tips/#commentsCompanies often use phone interviews to screen candidates before meeting in person. Seize your chance to impress the interviewer so he or she can't help but want to meet you in person. Consider the following do's and don'ts and you're sure to have winning phone interviews:]]>job interview by phonejob interview tipsphone interviewpreparing for a job interviewMiriam Salpeter2013-04-24T08:20:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/17/interview-mistakes-tips/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/17/interview-mistakes-tips/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/17/interview-mistakes-tips/#commentsInterviews are probably the most challenging part of the job search process. You need to be ready for anything, including weird interview questions.You don't want to blurt out something inappropriate and send all of your hard work down the toilet. Avoid these inappropriate comments during your interview:]]>interview mistakesinterview tipsnervouswork from homeMiriam Salpeter2013-04-17T08:02:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/10/best-employee-qualities/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/10/best-employee-qualities/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/10/best-employee-qualities/#commentsThe best thing you can do to help you get a new job is to make yourself indispensable at your current position. It doesn't matter if you have a full-time job now. Whether you're employed in a traditional position, serving as a temporary worker or even volunteering while seeking your next full-time gig, keep the following tips in mind to inspire people to consider you an amazing colleague:]]>best employeesinitiativemistakes at workMiriam Salpeter2013-04-10T09:06:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/03/bad-boss-better-tips/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/03/bad-boss-better-tips/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/04/03/bad-boss-better-tips/#commentsBad bosses can be the kiss of death for employees, and they cost companies big time in lost revenues. One estimate holds that it costs the economy $360 million a year in lost productivity. Meanwhile, 3 out of 4 employees describe their manager as the worst and most stressful part of their jobs; 65% of people would take a new boss over a pay raise.

But sometimes leaving your job just isn't an option. How can you make your bad boss better? Since we all know you can't change someone else, that leaves one option: adjust the way you deal with your difficult boss. Try some of the following strategies to help make your situation a little more bearable, and, in the mean time, start looking for a new job:]]>bad bosslost productivityworkplace bulliesworkplace issuesMiriam Salpeter2013-04-03T07:39:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/03/27/job-search-employers-networking/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/03/27/job-search-employers-networking/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/03/27/job-search-employers-networking/#commentsIf you haven't been successful landing a new gig, maybe it's time to stop and take a look at your tactics. Don't assume you haven't found a job because the economy is poor; there are jobs out there. It is up to you to demonstrate how and why you are a good match.

Consider the following tips to help you land a new job this year:]]>employerget hiredjob huntingjob searchnetworkingMiriam Salpeter2013-03-27T07:27:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/03/20/things-never-say-boss/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/03/20/things-never-say-boss/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/03/20/things-never-say-boss/#commentsWhen you're looking for a job, you spend a lot of time thinking about what to say. What to say on your resume, what to say during an interview and what to say when it's time to follow up with an employer. But once you get the job, it's just as important to make a point to know what not to say -- especially when you're speaking with your boss.]]>bossbossesconversationrelationship with bossMiriam Salpeter2013-03-20T08:05:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/03/13/overqualified-employers-applicants/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/03/13/overqualified-employers-applicants/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/03/13/overqualified-employers-applicants/#commentsShouldn't it be easy to get a job if you are more than qualified -- even overqualified -- for the opportunity? If you're an experienced engineer with a Ph.D. and you're having trouble landing an entry-level engineering job, it can be tough on your morale. However, you should not be surprised when employers don't jump at the chance to hire someone who isn't a perfect fit for the job, even if that means turning away someone with too many qualifications.]]>career changeexpert advicejob skillsnew-careeroverqualified for jobsalary negotiationwhat hiring managers look forMiriam Salpeter2013-03-13T08:35:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/03/06/bad-reasons-change-careers-advice/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/03/06/bad-reasons-change-careers-advice/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/03/06/bad-reasons-change-careers-advice/#commentsYou know what they say: "The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence." If you've been coveting the greener grass of a different career, be sure to stop and reflect before you plan a major shift. While transitioning careers sometimes makes sense, many people mistakenly believe a career change will solve all of their problems. Even successful career changers may be surprised to find that they encounter the same (or worse) problems in their new careers. Before you start to explore what's on the other side of the fence, consider the following reasons not to change careers.]]>best career moveschange careerschange jobsdifferent careerExpert AdviceNew Careerreasons not to change careersswitch careersswitch jobsMiriam Salpeter2013-03-06T07:11:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/02/27/make-more-money-work/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/02/27/make-more-money-work/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/02/27/make-more-money-work/#commentsWho doesn't want to make more money? While we've all heard that money doesn't buy happiness, it's nice to be able to decide for ourselves if it's true or not. How can you earn more dough? You may be surprised to learn how some simple steps can make a difference in your bottom line.]]>get a pay raiseget a raiseincrease your paymake more moneymake more money at worknegotiate a raisepay raisepay raisesMiriam Salpeter2013-02-27T08:12:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/02/13/job-search-changes-2013/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/02/13/job-search-changes-2013/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/02/13/job-search-changes-2013/#commentsIf you're looking for a job for the first time in a long time, you're probably stunned by how much has changed. Successful job seekers embrace the changes and take advantage of new technological opportunities. If you want to be successful and competitive in today's market, make sure to consider the following factors when it comes time to do a job search:]]>2013 job searchapplicant tracking systemsATSjob searchjob search changesjob search in 2013job search tipsnew ways for job searchnewwaysforjobsearchMiriam Salpeter2013-02-13T09:16:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/02/06/creative-ways-land-interview/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/02/06/creative-ways-land-interview/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/02/06/creative-ways-land-interview/#comments

Would an outside-of-the-box approach help you land a job interview? The Internet occasionally buzzes with details about how people successfully used unusual, "creative" techniques to get an interview -- and a job. Among some recent tactics:

• Renting a billboard -- A Toledo husband rented a billboard to help his unemployed wife attract attention from hiring managers.
• Launch a campaign -- One job hunter successfully launched a "hire me" campaign in social media.
• Using the employer's own tools -- One applicant created a resume in her target company's presentation software and tweeted a link to their CEO. (She got the job.)

Keep in mind, the reason these stories make the rounds online is because these stories are the exception, not the rule. Most people don't land a job because of a billboard or as the result of one, well-placed tweet.]]>creative job searchcreative ways to land interviewfind a jobget an interviewjob interviewjob search advicejob search tipsjobinterviewland the interviewoffer helpunconventional job searchMiriam Salpeter2013-02-06T09:48:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/01/30/networking-contacts-job-search/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/01/30/networking-contacts-job-search/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/01/30/networking-contacts-job-search/#comments

If you want a job, and you aren't focusing on tapping into your network to try to win a referral into the company that interests you, it's time to drastically alter your strategy. As employers try to cut hiring costs, decrease turnover and improve new hire time-to-productivity, they are becoming more aggressive about encouraging their employees to recommend people who would be good candidates. A New York Times article reports that employees hired as the result of a referral are 15 percent less likely to quit and that they "perform better, stay longer and are quicker to integrate" on the job. What company wouldn't want to identify this type of candidate?]]>get a new jobget job through networkingjob search networkingnetworking tipsprofessional networkingsign up for jobs newslettersignupforjobsnewsletterMiriam Salpeter2013-01-30T09:12:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/01/23/sweet-talk-boss/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/01/23/sweet-talk-boss/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/01/23/sweet-talk-boss/#comments

Have you ever thought about how you could sweet talk your boss? Did you know that saying certain words, in just the right way, could make all the difference in your relationship? Get your mind out of the gutter -- we're talking professional relationships here!]]>feedback at workfeedback on worknegative feedbackperformance feedbacksweet talk bosstalk to bossthe bossMiriam Salpeter2013-01-23T07:32:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/01/16/cover-letter-mistakes-tips/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/01/16/cover-letter-mistakes-tips/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/01/16/cover-letter-mistakes-tips/#comments

Face facts: Some people will never read your cover letter. The rest of the people may trash your resume if it does not include a cover letter. Others will value the cover letter over all other application materials. Since you can't know for sure which type of employer or recruiter will receive and review your materials, assume the cover letter is a crucial piece of your application package.]]>cover lettercover letter examplescover letter mistakescover letter resumecover letter tipsjob cover letternew year 2013resume mistakesMiriam Salpeter2013-01-16T08:19:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/01/11/answering-weird-interview-questions/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/01/11/answering-weird-interview-questions/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/01/11/answering-weird-interview-questions/#comments

How should you reply to crazy interview questions? Most employers don't ask weird questions like these, but it's a good idea to prepare for how you'd address them, just in case.]]>answering interview questionsanswering weird interview questionsinterview tipsjob interview tipsodd interview questionsweird interview questionsMiriam Salpeter2013-01-11T08:15:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/01/11/weird-interview-questions/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/01/11/weird-interview-questions/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/01/11/weird-interview-questions/#comments

"If you were to get rid of one state in the U.S., which would it be and why?" What would you say if an interviewer asked you such an off-the-wall question? Forrester Research asked this of a candidate for a research associate position; it's No. 1 on Glassdoor.com's list of "Top 25 Oddball Interview Questions for 2013."]]>Glassdoorinterviewing at Googleodd interview questionstop 25 odd interview questionsweird interview questionsMiriam Salpeter2013-01-11T08:15:00+00:00http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/01/08/13-mistakes-to-avoid-in-interviews/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/01/08/13-mistakes-to-avoid-in-interviews/http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/01/08/13-mistakes-to-avoid-in-interviews/#comments

The drum is beating for a new job in 2013. It's up to you to make it happen, and it's not as hard as you may think. Simple steps make all the difference, especially when it comes to successful interviews.

Avoid these killer interview mistakes and you'll be that much closer to a new job.]]>common interview mistakesinterview adviceinterview mistakesinterview tipsjob interview mistakesjob interview tipsnewyear 2013Miriam Salpeter2013-01-08T08:08:00+00:00