Discussing compensation and benefits with a potential employer when the economy is humming can be nerve–wracking; in a recession, it can be downright scary. But applicants should be ready — and willing — to bring up the topic with hiring managers. In fact, more than half (56 percent) of senior executive surveyed by Robert Half International said they are comfortable with applicants... [Read more]

Sometimes you realize early on that the job, or even the career, that you’ve chosen just isn’t for you. In other instances, the urge to move on hits you a little later, in your late 30s, 40s or even beyond.

In either case, there’s no shame in switching things up. These days, it’s certainly not uncommon. In fact, according to the Employee Benefits Research Institute... [Read more]

You filled out the online application form. You pressed Submit or Send or Upload. Maybe you got a confirming e-mail, maybe not. Now comes the winter of your discontent as the clock ticks, hours turn to days or weeks, and your thumbs grow weary from twiddling.

If it’s any consolation, etiquette experts get really miffed over candidates being left in the dark. “It really frustrates me that... [Read more]

1. Remember the details of the first meeting. This is also the golden rule of being a good conversationalist or customer oriented–company. People are irritated when they have to repeat themselves. If you don’t give them your respect and full attention, why should they do the same for you? One way to do this is to journal the details of any great first impression. Note what was said, what... [Read more]

Comparisons between job hunting and dating are common, and never are they more true than when it comes to the follow-up. After a date, you want to let the other person know you’re interested, but you don’t want to appear desperate. Plus, you don’t want to feel foolish if he or she had no intention of contacting you again. On the other hand, what if he or she is waiting for you... [Read more]

You’ve been in your industry for a while now. You’ve paid your dues. Now you’re ready to be in charge.

The problem is you haven’t held an official “leadership role” since your tenure as captain of your high school softball team.

So how do you prove that you’re prepared to take the reins if you don’t have managerial experience?

Whether... [Read more]

Political analyst Donna Brazile calls out common yet ill-advised career choices women should watch out for.

1. Taking a backseat, literally and figuratively.
Years ago at an important political strategy meeting, I found that a place hadn’t been set for me at the table. I moved toward the line of chairs ringing the room until I thought: “Hey! No man would do that!”... [Read more]

Just in case you haven’t heard it enough: It’s tough to get a job these days. So tough, in fact, that it’s not unlikely for a job seeker to spend six months or longer looking for a job before getting one. Although it’s common for today’s job search to take awhile, there are ways to increase your chances of getting noticed quickly. So if you’re starting to get... [Read more]

Everyone has encountered a deal breaker. That one unappealing characteristic — no matter how attractive something initially seems — that completely overrides any positive aspects.

For example, you found a great apartment but it’s a mile from the subway or your hot blind date acts like a cast member from “The Jersey Shore”.

Like anyone else, hiring managers... [Read more]

We’ve all been in a position where we wished we could take back what we said. In the case of an interview, the implications are huge in that saying the wrong thing could eliminate you as a candidate.

Having conducted literally thousands of interviews, we’ve come up with a list of things to avoid saying:

Didn’t think you’d ask me that - If it’s on your... [Read more]