One of the most challenging and frustrating aspects of a job search is that there is no one “right way” to handle any aspect of the process. The interview is no exception; every employer has an idea about what constitutes a good answer to a key question. [Read more…] about What’s the right way to interview?
What does the future workplace look like?
As the millennial generation, often defined as those born between 1982 and 1997, makes up more of the workforce, and as its members move into leadership roles in industry, we can expect their generational perspectives to shape the workplace. What does the future workplace look like? [Read more…] about What does the future workplace look like?
Interview horror story
Yesterday, I shared an interview horror story from the employer’s perspective, and today, it’s the job seeker’s turn. Read on for a scary job seeker story and add your own to the comments! [Read more…] about Interview horror story
What job seekers can learn from Anne Hathaway and Jennifer Lawrence
I hate to miss an opportunity to share a career lesson related to pop culture. Did you watch the Oscars? Did you, like many, wonder how in the world anyone had let Anne Hathaway out of the house in a dress that made it look like she was having a MAJOR wardrobe malfunction? You’d think that if she’d looked in the mirror, she might have noticed, but the dress was hardly flattering for the best actress in a supporting role. What a shame that everyone seems to be focused on the dress error instead of her big win.
(If you missed it, you can view some photos here.)
Then, Jennifer Lawrence fell UP the steps on her way to picking up her best actress award. (Take a look at the video.) Luckily, she did not seem hurt, and made a joke of it on the podium, but if you take a look at the dress she wore, it’s not surprising that she fell.
What career lesson can we learn here? The Business Insider link about Anne Hathaway says she decided to change her dress choice three hours before the show. Apparently, she switched to the Prada dress instead of the Valentino — after Valentino had already announced she would be wearing their gown. Seems a faux pas, but more importantly — the lesson here is do not make last-minute choices when it comes to your job hunt.
That means you should set out your interview attire (and try it on) way in advance of even having an interview scheduled. While your wardrobe malfunction probably won’t cause the buzz that Ms. Hathaway’s did, you never want people talking about what you wore when they should be remembering you for your ravishing skills.
As far as the lesson from Ms. Lawrence — think about everything in practical terms. I’m not sure how she ever planned to get up the stairs in that huge dress. You don’t want to (literally OR figuratively) fall on your face when it comes to your job hunt, so think about the different eventualities; what will you be asked to do? What questions might you need to prepare to answer? Don’t “stumble” through your job hunt, because you probably won’t be forgiven as quickly as an Academy Award winner!
How to get fired? Discuss your political opinions at work
The conventions are over, but the political banter won’t end for months. Presidential elections stir up a lot of emotions, whether you side with the “red,” the “blue” or if you consider yourself somewhere in the middle. If you’re fired up, it’s natural that you may want to talk politics at work. However, you should beware, because sharing your opinions at work may get you fired. [Read more…] about How to get fired? Discuss your political opinions at work