8 Salary-Talk Traps

This is it. The moment you've been waiting for. Your palms are sweaty, your heart is pounding and your knees are shaking. She's looking at you, waiting. You're about to pop the big question.<br /><br />"Can I have a raise?"<br /><br />Breaching the subject of salary with your boss is never an easy feat. Unfortunately, it's never as easy as the simple, "Ask and you shall receive" theory. Ask for too much too soon and you could label yourself as greedy. Ask for too little and risk selling yourself short of what you deserve and earning less than what you're worth.<br /><br />"Ask most people about the value of a job, and their first thought is how much it pays," writes Michael Zwell in his book, "Six-Figure Salary Negotiation." In reality, the value of the job also includes job satisfaction, the chance to learn new skills or opportunities for advancement in the company.<br /><br />"By looking at the value proposition in a new way, you can assess the job you're in, as well as those you've had in the past," Zwell says. This will enable you to show all the value you bring to a position in order to negotiate the salary you deserve.<br /><br />A common problem workers face when negotiating a boost in their salary is finding the right way to do it. Using the right words, in the right place, at the right time are all key elements to bargain the income you ought to have.<br /><br />Here are eight common salary-talk traps and tips to be conscious of when bargaining your way to a higher paycheck, according to "Six-Figure Salary Negotiation."<br /><br />1. Do your homework<br /><br />The trap: You get the title, compensation and responsibilities on paper, but you've been living in denial about what the job really entails and the situation the company is really in.<br /><br />The truth: At first, the job seems like a dream come true. You soon realize that you're overworked, underpaid and the company can't afford to pay you more. How could you have avoided this?<br /><br />The tip: Exhaustively ask questions and do your homework.<br /><br />2. Asking for more money<br /><br />The trap: You assume the maximum salary number quoted to you by HR is fixed in stone and cannot be changed.<br /><br />The truth: You earn more in your current job than what HR tells you the maximum salary is for the position you want. Should you settle for less?<br /><br />The tip: Contact the hiring manager and tell her that HR told you the maximum salary for the job is Y and you are currently making more than that (if you are). Point out that you know some employers make occasional exceptions in circumstances like this and ask if that is possible at this company. By doing so, you are empowering the hiring manager to advocate on your behalf.<br /><br />3. Pay me more or I'm outta here!<br /><br />The trap: You accept a counteroffer from your current company in order to increase your salary.<br /><br />The truth: You're unhappy with your current salary, so you interview at a competing company for a higher salary. You successfully leverage that offer to earn more at your current job. In a few months, your company begins layoffs and you're let go because you have one of the highest salaries.<br /><br />The tip: If you want more money from your current employer, negotiate based on your value contribution, rather than using a threat.<br /><br />4. When you need to make more money<br /><br />The trap: You tell your boss that you need to make more money because you bought a bigger house, you have two kids in college, you need a new car, etc.<br /><br />The truth: When we were young, our parents told us that if we wanted money, we had to earn it. So, we mowed the lawn, did house chores or watched younger siblings to earn a buck. Similarly, if you need more money per paycheck, ask your boss how you can contribute to earn a little extra.<br /><br />The tip: To get paid more, demonstrate the increased value that you can contribute or are already contributing.<br /><br />5. When you don't ask, you usually don't get<br /><br />The trap: You don't ask for more benefits because you think the package can't be changed.<br /><br />The truth: You're offered a job at a new company. You'll earn more, but your vacation time is half of what you're allotted at your current company. If this is a deal breaker, tell the hiring manager your concern.<br /><br />The tip: Don't assume that benefits are cast in stone until you ask.<br /><br />6. Overselling, overpromising and under delivering<br /><br />The trap: You oversell yourself and get in over your head.<br /><br />The truth: You exaggerate your abilities and promise more than you're capable of in exchange for a higher salary. Your employer realizes this and you're demoted or fired.<br /><br />The tip: If you take a job that's a stretch for you, be confident that you can stretch into the job.<br /><br />7. Giving into the fear factor<br /><br />The trap: Your fears undermine your attempts to engage in successful salary negotiation.<br /><br />The truth: "All of us have a choice between an attitude of abundance -- meaning there is more than enough opportunities, money, resources and so forth to go around -- and one of scarcity," Zwell writes. "Choosing abundance empowers you to be a buyer and to maximize your giving and receiving. You are not afraid to ask questions, pursue opportunities and to more fully engage in negotiation."<br /><br />The tip: Negotiate from abundance.<br /><br />8. Focusing on one opportunity<br /><br />The trap: You put all your eggs in one basket.<br /><br />The truth: "It is almost always better to have multiple good opportunities available to you. In doing so, you will be operating from abundance rather than scarcity," Zwell says.<br /><br />The tip: Actively pursue multiple opportunities.<br /><br />By Rachel Zupek writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.<br /><br />"The Six-Figure Salary Negotiation." Copyright © 2008, by Michael Zwell . Used by permission of Adams Media, an F+W Publications, Inc. Co. All rights reserved.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a>

8 Salary-Talk Traps

This is it. The moment you've been waiting for. Your palms are sweaty, your heart is pounding and your knees are shaking. She's look...

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La VAE en 7 étapes

<BR><br />"Le parcours d'une VAE": comment réussir chaque étape dans les meilleures conditions ?<br /><br />Sur le site du GIP Alfa Centre, des informations, des vidéos sont présentées sous forme de marelle pour vous permettre de réussir chaque étape dans les meilleures conditions :<ul><li><a href="http://www.alfacentre.org/vae/marelle_grand_public/vae_particuliers.htm" target="_blank">Le parcours d'une VAE</a><br /><br /><li><a href="http://www.alfacentre.org/vae/entreprises/vae_entreprises.htm" target="_blank">Le parcours d'une VAE en entreprise</a></ul><br />Pour approfondir la question, vous pouvez aussi consulter les pages exclusivement consacrées à la Validation des Acquis de l'Expérience du site du <a href="http://www.alfacentre.org/vae/sommaire.htm" target="_blank">GIP Alfa Centre</a>.<br /><br />Un <a href="http://www.vae.gouv.fr/" "target=_blank">portail</a> géré par le ministère de l'Economie de l'industrie et de l'emploi est également en ligne : <a href="http://www.vae.gouv.fr/" "target=_blank">vae.gouv.fr</a>.<br /><BR>

La VAE en 7 étapes

"Le parcours d'une VAE": comment réussir chaque étape dans les meilleures conditions ? Sur le site du GIP Alfa Centre, des inf...

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Office Politics: Myths Debunked

Politics in the workplace can get vicious -- and we're not talking about the governmental kind. Rather, office politics, or how power and influence are managed in your company, will be a part of your career whether you choose to participate in them or not.<br /><br />Some workers say they don't want to get caught up in politics at work, but most experts argue that playing the game is crucial to your career success. By not getting involved, you may find your talents ignored, your success limited and you may feel left out of the loop, says Louellen Essex, co-author of "Manager's Desktop Consultant: Just-in-Time Solutions to the Top People Problems That Keep You Up at Night."<br /><br />Here are three common myths surrounding office politics:<br /><br />Myth One: Politics is nasty business. "Think of playing office politics as a game of strategy through which you are able to get the resources and influence you need to accomplish your goals." Essex says. "Most often those who are diplomatic, respectful and build coalitions with effective people win."<br /><br />Myth Two: Only people at the top are involved in politics. Not so. "Employees at every level in an organization have the opportunity to win at office politics by building their image, being a top performer and learning to effectively communicate," Essex says.<br /><br />Myth Three: Playing politics is a waste of valuable work time. "Studies say that those who build their careers quickest spend as much as one-third of their time at work in political activity," Essex says. "They view this time as critical to growing the network and relationships vital to their success."<br /><br />Some workers involved with office politics simply don't know how to deal with the situation at hand. Here are four examples of office politics in action and how you can deal with the problems:<br /><br />Situation One: Gossip<br /><br />Don't participate in office gossip other than to listen and gather information, Essex says. Gossip is good if individuals are communicating accurate information, but kicking up dirt about other people is not likely to gain you the respect you need.<br /><br />Situation Two: Boss plays favorites<br /><br />Think about why your boss is playing favorites, Essex suggests. Is he or she supporting high performers they're grooming for advancement? If so, step up your performance and get yourself in that inner circle. On the other hand, if the boss is playing favorites due to friendships with employees, stay clear.<br /><br />"Let others in the organization know of your good work and attempt to work around the situation with your boss," Essex says. "Get involved in committees, projects and social activities outside of your department, which will give you visibility with others who can help advance your career."<br /><br />Situation Three: Nasty co-workers<br /><br />Confront the nasty co-workers, but be certain you don't mirror their demeanor, Essex says. "Describe the behavior they are displaying and ask them to stop immediately." If they resist, indicate your intention to set up a meeting with them and your manager to discuss your concerns. "Often, office bullies are unaccustomed to being confronted and will back off when someone has the courage to stand up to them."<br /><br />Situation Four: Working for a boss who is not respected<br /><br />If your boss is viewed as ineffective, it can derail your career, Essex warns. Look for other opportunities to work elsewhere in your organization. Search for managers who can help you, teach you and support you, thereby catapulting your career success. If you can't move within your organization, look for options somewhere else.<br /><br />By Rachel Zupek writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"> </span></strong>

Office Politics: Myths Debunked

Politics in the workplace can get vicious -- and we're not talking about the governmental kind. Rather, office politics, or how power an...

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When 110 Percent is Too Much

"Congratulations! You're average."<br /><br />You never hear that sentence because nobody gets commended for being average. Throughout our lives we're taught to excel so that we're recognized for going above and beyond. Straight As get the honor roll. Straight Bs, not so much. High scorers get MVP. The rest of the team gets to applaud at the ceremony.<br /><br />The same is true at work. If you want to get promoted and receive any recognition, you should be willing to make small sacrifices once in a while, whether that means working through lunch to finish a project or bringing work home to catch up. But at what point are you going from above and beyond to overboard?<br /><br />A sign of the times<br /><br />Once upon a time when landlines outnumbered cell phones and memos existed on paper and not e-mail, working until nightfall was a nuisance that you avoided at all costs. It was a sacrifice that your colleagues and boss noticed as they left and saw only your car in the parking lot.<br /><br />Now, thanks to technology, you can be steeped in after-hours work from the comfort of your home, car or the bleachers at your child's soccer game. Because you're not meeting with a client or in an office, both you and your boss might start to think you're not actually working, but you're not relaxing either.<br /><br />"I used to use [a BlackBerry] when it first came out around the year 2000," remembers Victor Cheng, president of Bookmercial Productions, a book publishing company. "I was working, thinking about work nearly 24/7 -- routinely replying to my CEO at midnight because he too was using his 'crack-berry.'"<br /><br />Now that he's left that job and is the president of his own company, a BlackBerry is on his list of forbidden workplace items. He understands how much you can do with a few keystrokes of a smartphone, but he doesn't think anything substantial comes from them.<br /><br />"As the chief decision maker of my company, getting out another e-mail rarely makes or breaks a company ... but blowing a big decision because I was continually getting interrupted by a [BlackBerry] is stupid. Achieving big results is about getting a few important things done right -- not about getting more little things done."<br /><br />Just recently, television network ABC had a contract dispute with some employees who wanted compensation for checking their BlackBerrys when they weren't in the office. Workers felt they were expected to give too much of their personal time, while the network felt it was to be expected. Although they reached an agreement, the conflict is a sign that when it comes to technology, the boundaries between work and home aren't clear for employees and employers alike.<br /><br />Missing out on life<br /><br />Technology isn't the only culprit in the battle of work versus home; it's just the newest one. Plenty of workers aren't sacrificing their personal lives because of e-mail; they just can't get away. Some people just have good old-fashioned pressures, such as a demanding boss who sets unrealistic deadlines for projects or a seemingly bottomless amount of work that they can never catch up on. Or maybe they simply can't pull themselves away from work. In fact, a recent CareerBuilder.com survey found that 50 percent of sales workers intend to check-in with work while on vacation.<br /><br />David Bohl was a venture capitalist who made weekly trips overseas, which meant his schedule was anything but a reliable 9 to 5. The line between work and home blurred too much for his liking when he found himself learning more about his children through faxes and phone calls than in person. He knew he was sacrificing too much personal time for work, so he decided to move on. He has since become a lifestyle mentor who helps other people avoid making the same mistakes he did.<br /><br />Of course, you don't have to wait until life passes you by to know you've put your job ahead of yourself. If you feel like you've crossed the line -- like one more moonlit drive home is too much to bear -- you probably have. After all, you're the only one who can make that call.<br /><br />By Anthony Balderrama writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a>

When 110 Percent is Too Much

"Congratulations! You're average." You never hear that sentence because nobody gets commended for being average. Throughout ou...

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Day 21: Hold it close to your heart

I'm not sure if it's contagious, and we're all catching it from reading each other's blogs, but something seems amiss. I even caught a bit of it myself.<br /><br />What is "it"? Our lack of enthusiasm for losing weight. Several of the blogs I read are written by people who have been at this for a long time, the same as me. Actually, it's not that we lack the enthusiasm for losing weight, but we lack the enthusiasm for doing the things we have to do to lose weight.<br /><br />It's like we're all tired. Tired of the mundane, of the boredom. The measuring, the counting, the tracking. The decisions about what's the best choice, what's the most healthy thing to eat. The worry. The remorse when we screw it up. The self-flagellation when we don't get it right.<br /><br />I'm right there with you. I'm tired of it all too.<br /><br />On the other hand, I vividly remember what it was like to weigh 240 pounds. I can flip over to my pictures page and look at myself. I remember the humiliation, the hurt, the physical pain. I remember the asthma attacks which have completely disappeared. And mostly, I remember never wanting to go anywhere or do anything.<br /><br />That 240-pound woman would have rather died than attend a Pi<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">nk</span> concert and danced in the aisles. She couldn't have hiked ten minutes up a mountain, much less for three hours with a 25-pound pack on her back. She would never have gone to a football game and talked to strangers and high-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">fived</span> them when her team made a touchdown.<br /><br />No, that woman would have sat at home, probably on the couch, and watched TV all weekend. Or maybe read a book. Socializing was not her thing. Then she would have whined about her "boring" life.<br /><br />All this weight loss stuff is rather boring, the same old thing day after day. Especially when you're past the honeymoon phase. The pounds aren't falling off quickly (if at all), the compliments about how great you look aren't as frequent. Buying new clothes has lost it's charm.<br /><br />What can keep you going? What's really going to motivate you to continue with this? Is where you are now "good enough"? If you were running a 5k and saw the finish line up ahead, would you just say, hey, I ran 4.5k, and I just don't feel like running the rest of it"? Right, I didn't think so.<br /><br />We each have to find the one thing that's important to us. The thing that makes us want to continue down this road. It's not exciting stuff that we're doing. It's pretty boring. But life isn't boring. Life is fun and exciting and thrilling. There's so much life to live, to live it overweight is a waste. We miss so much when we're overweight. We hide, we avoid situations, we avoid people. Being overweight is it's own prison.<br /><br />So even though I intended to write about what motivates me to stay with this, I realized what works for me is probably not going to work for you. We each have to find our own way. Just look inside yourself, find the real reason you're doing this and hold it close to your heart.

Day 21: Hold it close to your heart

I'm not sure if it's contagious, and we're all catching it from reading each other's blogs, but something seems amiss. I eve...

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5 Most Competitive Co-workers

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/vt/ar5f6r273zt3s9hh79vt.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/vt/ar5f6r273zt3s9hh79vt.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>The race for the White House may be over, but the competitive spirit of the campaigns lives on -- in the workplace, at least. In a survey by Robert Half International, almost half of senior executives said they believe employees are more competitive today than 10 years ago.<br /><br />Why is it harder than ever to hear the strains of "Kumbaya" among workplace colleagues? The uncertain economy may be part of the problem: When people are concerned about job security, they are more apt to want to prove their worth to employers, and the pressure to perform can result in employee rivalries.<br /><br />While it's true that a bit of healthy competition among staff members can increase motivation and productivity, too much tension can stand in the way of collaboration -- and good team results.<br /><br />Consider these five familiar workplace competitors and ways to deal with them when working together:<br /><br />1. The Speeder<br />This colleague wants to win the race, at just about any cost. When your manager asks the team to submit ideas for a new project, for example, she's always the first to respond.<br /><br />When working with a Speeder, make sure you have a chance to review her work. The person's tendency to race through projects means she doesn't always give assignments the time and attention they deserve. An extra set of eyes will ensure the tasks you tackle together are always error-free.<br /><br />2. The Loner<br />This person is highly secretive and guards his ideas like they're the crown jewels. He tends to want to complete projects on his own, and he doesn't like to collaborate.<br /><br />When working with a Loner, give him some space but make sure you remain in the loop on key milestones and deliverables. Check in with this person more frequently than you do with other colleagues; a quick e-mail asking for a status update or offering to lend a hand is usually sufficient.<br /><br />3. The Superstar<br />No challenge is too great for this employee, who lobbies to take on the highest-profile projects. While her can-do spirit is helpful, what she really wants is the visibility that comes with taking on the most difficult assignments.<br /><br />When working with the Superstar, consider letting this person take the lead. You might suggest she present the group's ideas at the next staff meeting, for example. As long as your role doesn't disappear completely, you can help motivate your colleague and build an ally.<br /><br />4. The Weightlifter<br />This individual always offers to take on an extra project in order to look good to his manager.<br /><br />You might be able to learn something from this workplace competitor. His actions not only help him in the eyes of his manager but also allow him to learn new skills. If you follow in his footsteps, just be careful you don't take on more responsibility than you can comfortably shoulder. Trying to do too much can make the quality of your work suffer and lead to burnout.<br /><br />5. The Saboteur<br />This person will do anything to get ahead, like taking all the credit for a joint project. Such unsportsmanlike conduct really speaks to insecurity in this individual's own abilities: By making others look bad, she thinks she makes herself look better.<br /><br />Be on the lookout for the Saboteur and keep your distance from this person. If you think a colleague has deliberately undermined your work, immediately speak to your manager about the situation.<br /><br />Here are some additional tips that can help you navigate an overly competitive workplace.<br /><br />First, focus on your own performance instead of the actions of your colleagues, and make sure your manager is aware of your contributions to the team. You'll distinguish yourself in a positive way and maintain your integrity by avoiding workplace drama. Also try not to worry too much about the actions of your co-workers. Indeed, keep in mind that workplace competitors can ultimately be their own worst enemies.<br /><br />If a colleague takes it a step too far -- by not offering you the information you need for a project, for instance -- then you need to address it. You can set up a private meeting to discuss your concerns with the person directly, or, if you're uncomfortable with that thought, talk to your manager.<br /><br />Moreover, remember to pick your battles. If a co-worker is seeking credit for a relatively minor accomplishment, let it go. Don't get so caught up in the competition for credit that you overlook the importance of teamwork.<br /><br />A final piece of advice: Be flexible. Learn to adapt so that you can effectively communicate with challenging co-workers. You don't need to change your behavior completely; just remember that a different approach can often help you reach the same goal.<br /><br />Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit http://www.rhi.com/. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>CLICKING HERE</strong>!</span></a> </div>

5 Most Competitive Co-workers

The race for the White House may be over, but the competitive spirit of the campaigns lives on -- in the workplace, at least. In a survey by...

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Workplace Conflict Resolutions

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/3g/ar5c2l674xp0wzbm483g.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/3g/ar5c2l674xp0wzbm483g.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>From the guy who thinks his desk is his living room/kitchen/bedroom to the manager who asks for (then steals) your ideas, every worker faces workplace conflict. (And if you don't, let me know where you work -- I want an application.)<br /><br />As offices become more diverse in age, talent and ethnicity, conflict is inevitably prevalent in the workplace. Lori Coruccini, CEO of Predix Link Inc., a work-force development consulting company, says variances usually arise because of the lack of communication and clarity on how to reach common work goals. Employees don't know how to understand each other based on their individual workplace behavior.<br /><br />"Depending on their behavioral traits, some employees may not appreciate a fast-changing environment because of the need to naturally process through information," Coruccini says. "Others' behaviors may be perceived as being demanding and being 'told' what to do. Every employee has unique behaviors, which, if understood in a team environment, can reduce conflict."<br /><br />If clashes at work aren't reduced, vital parts of business are affected. For example, conflict causes a distraction, which decreases productivity and is also a de-motivator. Conflict also causes procrastination because your mind isn't focused on the end goal, Coruccini says. If disagreements are taken personally, it causes resentment toward co-workers or the company as a whole.<br /><br />"When conflict is taken personally, it can shut down communication, cause intimidation, de-motivate, cause health issues if not dealt with, and the lack of interest to complete a mission or common goal," Coruccini warns.<br /><br />However, some conflict can be healthy if you properly deal with situations to reach a proper resolution. But, this can only be done if you know how other people effectively deal with differences.<br /><br />"Everyone communicates differently according to their natural behavior; everyone is driven differently based on their behaviors," Coruccini says. "Once there is an understanding of why others respond the way they do, it makes it easier to respect the other person and recognize that statements or comments are not about you and they don't take things personally."<br /><br />Here are five examples of conflict you might face in the workplace:<br /><br />· Being told what to do rather than asked. This causes tension, and employees become defensive.<br /><br />· Employees who have different communication styles. One employee may need specific information while the other may just need the basics. Each will shut down when there is too much (or too little) information.<br /><br />· Different behavioral back-up styles. For example, someone may deflect controversy for a while, but when put under too much pressure, he or she may become confrontational. Others may take offense to the back-up style, which causes conflict.<br /><br />· When there is not a clear vision or mission. This usually means wasted energy and money spent in a workplace.<br /><br />· Unclear job expectations are sure to cause conflict for the manager and the employee.<br /><br />Make use of the following tips to resolve conflict at work:<br /><br />Choose your battles. How important is the dispute really? Does it truly affect you, and is it a chronic problem? If it's a one-time incident or mild transgression, let it pass.<br /><br />Expect conflict. Friction will occasionally emerge in the course of human relationships -- it's natural. Don't fear it -- rather, learn to spot the symptoms early and see opportunity in the resolution.<br /><br />Use neutral language. Avoid judgmental remarks or sweeping generalizations, such as, "You never respond to my e-mails." Use calm, neutral language to describe what is bothering you. For example: "I get very frustrated when you don't return my messages because I never know if you've received important information." Be respectful and sincere, never sarcastic.<br /><br />Practice preventive maintenance. Avoid retreating to the safety of withdrawal, avoidance or the simplistic view that your co-worker is a bad person. These are defense mechanisms that prevent the resolution of conflict. Instead, focus on the problem, not the person. Never attack or put the other person on the defensive.<br /><br />Listen actively. Never interrupt the other party. Really listen and try to understand what the other person is saying. Let him know you understand by restating or reframing his statement or position, so he knows you have indeed heard him.<br /><br />Get leverage on yourself. When disputes between you and a co-worker appear without resolution, get leverage. Ask to be held accountable. This brings your performance evaluation into the equation without taking away your responsibility for resolving the conflict. This is hard to do, but remarkable change can happen when you are held to task.<br /><br />By Rachel Zupek writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. </div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a> </div>

Workplace Conflict Resolutions

From the guy who thinks his desk is his living room/kitchen/bedroom to the manager who asks for (then steals) your ideas, every worker faces...

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The Crying Game: Dealing With Tears at Work

In a Q&A session with voters the day before a 2008 presidential primary, former White House-hopeful Hillary Clinton got a little choked up during her response to a question. She didn't bawl or wail or even leave the stage to regroup in private. Her eyes watered, she continued to answer the question, and then she moved on to another topic. She handily won the primary the next day.<br /><br />TV pundits and bloggers couldn't stop talking about her. Not her politics but her "show of emotion." They wondered how people would respond: Was it the end of her campaign? Was it a setback for women? Was it staged to get attention?<br /><br />Her response, for what it's worth, was that her desire to improve the country kept her going during the longest presidential primary campaign in the history of the United States. Although few high profile politicians shed tears on the campaign trail, did that moment really merit all the hoopla?<br /><br />Crying isn't just any emotion<br /><br />When it comes to crying on the job, we are not logical beings. Peruse the articles about Clinton's tears and you'll see "emotional" appear over and over again.<br /><br />Is exhaustion any more emotional than joy or anger? Do we call co-workers who laugh a lot emotional? How about screaming bosses?<br /><br />Yet, as annoying as your cubicle neighbor's incessant cackling might be, it probably doesn't earn him an unfavorable reputation with his peers. If he cried on a regular basis, he might not fare so well, a fact that bothers some professionals.<br /><br />"Saying that crying is inappropriate is like saying that having emotions is inappropriate," says Laurent Duperval, communications coach and consultant. "Crying is the expression of an emotion, just like any other, except that it has negative stigma associated with it."<br /><br />The right time and place<br /><br />Don't assume, however, that tears are always acceptable. Just like any other show of emotion, crying has an appropriate time and place. You wouldn't laugh during a conference where the boss says quarterly earnings are at an all-time low but you would laugh if the boss told a funny (or at least he thinks it's funny) joke.<br /><br />"It generally depends on how and why it happened. If it is a recurring event, if it is a tactic that is used to get one's way, yes that can damage your career because eventually people will catch on," Duperval says. "If the crying is accompanied with a tantrum or with violence, it is almost always inappropriate."<br /><br />Perhaps the only instance where crying is widely acceptable is when receiving bad news, such as the death of someone you know. You're not a robot, after all. Organizational psychologist Marcia Reynolds agrees.<br /><br />"Though I don't think anyone should cry on purpose, a spontaneous cry is only damaging to the person who feels they are weak because they are crying," she says. "It is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of being human."<br /><br />As in most work situations, co-workers and bosses expect you to be professional. If you cry when your boss reprimands you or gives you a negative review, you're probably not earning the best reputation.<br /><br />The gender factor<br /><br />When you discuss tears in the office, you can't ignore the role sexism -- both past and present -- plays. If a woman cries at work, misogynists are ready to label her as weak -- proof of women as the fairer sex. Other co-workers are put in the awkward position of not wanting to appear too touchy and still not come off as too cold. For this reason, not everyone sees crying as just any regular act.<br /><br />"It is unprofessional behavior to cry in the office," says Sandy Dumont, an image consultant for the Image Architect. "This is particularly true if you are a woman, because it causes men to feel helpless to fix the situation, as well as possible guilt at having upset you."<br /><br />While being a woman complicates an already difficult situation, you can't always control your tears, just as you can't always silence laughter or quell your anger -- regardless of your gender. And with conflicting opinions on the acceptance of workplace emotions, you can't definitively say there is a right or wrong answer. The only constant is that you know yourself and your work environment better than anybody else, so only you can decide what damage crying can cause your career, if any.<br /><br />By Anthony Balderrama writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a>

The Crying Game: Dealing With Tears at Work

In a Q&A session with voters the day before a 2008 presidential primary, former White House-hopeful Hillary Clinton got a little choked ...

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What Gets You Through the Workday

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/q1/ar5f5xc619c6bvb33rq1.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/q1/ar5f5xc619c6bvb33rq1.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>Remember when you were a child at the doctor's office and had to get a shot? Your parents probably told you to squeeze their hands or think about the big ice cream cone they would buy you if you were good. Whatever they said, the goal was to make the experience as painless as possible.<br /><br />Sometimes, a day at work is like that pesky shot. It's unpleasant but you can't escape it. Every job, whether you love it or hate it, has a day where you need some diversion to get through the day without taking your frustration out on your poor, defenseless computer keyboard.<br /><br />So what is the grown-up equivalent of squeezing your mom's hand?<br /><br />Treat yourself right<br />Sam Spear finds running the technology site JumpIntoTomorrow.com rewarding and even fun, but on some days he needs to forget about the chaos for a few minutes. To step away from it all, he strolls over to a nearby convenience store to buy one lottery ticket.<br /><br />"It gets me out, it gives me something to hope for and it's just enough of a distraction that by the time I get back to my desk I'm ready to plow through the rest of the day," he says. "Getting the half-Slurpee, half-Dr. Pepper on occasion helps as well."<br /><br />Giving yourself a treat can help you unwind just enough to jump back into a hectic day. At the offices of Sosauce.com, Jenn de la Vega enjoys a perk few companies offer: a chair that can give Swedish and shiatsu massages for 15 minutes at a time.<br /><br />"We have a fun open office with a staff that gets along pretty well -- but if I had bad sleep or the afternoon is dragging on, I'll sit in the massage chair for a couple minutes to wake me up," she says.<br /><br />Four legs good, two legs bad<br />For some workers, quality time with their four-legged friends can make a long day bearable. Perhaps because cats can't talk back or dogs are always in a good mood, a midday break with a pet can give you a much-needed recharge.<br /><br />"For the past five years, I've gone home every day at lunch to take my [black pug] Dolce for a walk," says Gianna Vivo, director of marketing for Flexi Software. "Seeing her and getting outside for a bit -- it's a great way to break up the workday and decompress."<br /><br />Rebecca Boehmer, an account executive at public relations agency ParkerWhite, appreciates a little playtime with Ziggy, the office maltepoo. "It's incredibly relaxing and while on the walk I have a chance to sort through my thoughts and clear my head."<br /><br />Go positive<br />Just because you've grabbed a fistful of hair several times today and you've got a bald spot on the back of your head doesn't mean you should focus on the negative. Looking at what's going right in your day or even in your life can change your attitude. Remember the ice cream cone your parents used to coax you through the pain?<br /><br />Real estate broker Caroline Glidden used to spend six minutes of each work hour writing down what she was appreciative for at that very moment. Now she just does it when the mood strikes her in order to stay positive.<br /><br />Tabitha Grace Smith, a social media strategist, also focuses on the brighter side of things. "When a day at work is particularly dragging, I try to send off a couple e-mails to people to tell them how much I appreciate them -- or thank them -- both at work and in my life. [It] makes my day go by much faster when I'm being positive!"<br /><br />A little bit of everything<br />Workers are obviously not following any template to get through the day. As long as their tricks keep them from punching a computer monitor -- or a co-worker -- everybody wins. So here are just some of the other ways workers are following the light at the end of the tunnel:<br /><br />· Karen DeSemple, head of belly casting company Eternal Maternal, keeps a humorous picture as her computer background. "It's a Happy Bunny cartoon that simply says, 'Sucky losers not allowed.' It reminds me that sucky losers aren't the ones that become successful, and it actually motivates me to keep going."<br /><br />· Because Lisa Cotter Metwaly wakes up at 4:30 a.m. to open her restaurant, Q Kindness Café, the early hours catch up to her midday. She brings a mat to work and takes a half-hour nap on it to stay energized.<br /><br />· Laurice Gilbert divides her day into 30-minute blocks of time to better handle tasks. Every half-hour she performs some distracting task, whether it's watering plants, folding laundry or dancing by herself for a few minutes.<br /><br />· Tom Cristel takes a break from his duties as vice president of marketing for Yooplus to go to a lunch-hour swim club. He finds the repetitive activity allows his mind to wander while improving his health.<br /><br />· The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year for Diana Myre, a marketing administrator at Comstar, so she tries to enjoy it whenever she can. On a bad day she'll turn on Christmas music and remember favorite holiday moments.<br /><br />What do you do to make the workday more enjoyable? Share your ideas at The Work Buzz.<br /><br />By Anthony Balderrama writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.<br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a> </div>

What Gets You Through the Workday

Remember when you were a child at the doctor's office and had to get a shot? Your parents probably told you to squeeze their hands or th...

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The Las Vegas Valley Isn't What You Think

There is a lot more to life in the Vegas Valley than most people know. I was driving from Albertsons to our house in Henderson this week when a coyote trotted in front of my car, did a 180, and trotted back. It reminded me of Mark Twain's classic account of the deceptive gate of the Nevada coyote, who never seems to quite run -- and yet coyotes, with their casual stiff legged amblulation, always maitain -- not increase, just maintain -- their distance from pursuers, until the pursuers lie prostrate in the dust, their tongues hanging out. Is this how Coyote became the Native American trickster deity.<br /><br />Did any of you who do not live in Las Vegas know that there is a swamp right smack in the midst of this desert city? In my next post, I will tell you about the elusive duck that haunts our swamp.

The Las Vegas Valley Isn't What You Think

There is a lot more to life in the Vegas Valley than most people know. I was driving from Albertsons to our house in Henderson this week whe...

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When You're the Youngest Person on the Team

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/94/ar5f4896clg7f8bfhp94.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/94/ar5f4896clg7f8bfhp94.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>If ever your parents were so cruel as to drag you to a dinner party during your childhood, you probably remember the inescapable discomfort. The adults, in high-pitched voices, asked what grade you were in, while the people who hated children sent cold stares your way. You didn't belong there and it showed.<br /><br />Fast forward a decade or so. You're wearing your new suit and sporting your best smile. It's the first day of your new post-graduation job and you're meeting your new co-workers. You hear the same questions and receive the same icy stares.<br /><br />The workplace is getting older as baby boomers are waiting longer to retire; therefore, there's a good chance your first job out of college will be filled with colleagues who are several years, or decades, older than you. While most people will be glad to have you on the team, not everyone will welcome you with open arms. However, unlike that 8:00 a.m. psychology class you admirably signed up for but quickly dropped, you need to stick with this job.<br /><br />So how do you convince your co-workers that you belong on the team when you're the youngest member?<br /><br />Find your place<br />Part of establishing your role on a team comes with understanding what you can learn from others and what you can offer them.<br /><br />"While it is important to be knowledgeable, it is more important to understand your status," advises Tina Hamilton, president and CEO of hireVision Group, a human resources firm. If you show a willingness to learn more about your new position and the company, others will be eager to assist you. "Most will be pleased to do so and as such will look at you in a positive light ... If you are inexperienced and attempt to act otherwise, you risk coming across as difficult to work with or immature."<br /><br />So if you aren't experienced, how do you give back anything to the team? Simple: Use the knowledge you already have.<br /><br />Lauren Garfield is the youngest person in her public relations agency, and she realizes that her age can be an asset. "Many employers value the new techniques and information you know because you are younger and know a younger audience. Make sure you use your age to your advantage. This is especially true with my knowledge of Facebook and other social networking Web sites."<br /><br />Caution: Youth doesn't automatically make you an authority on cutting-edge technologies like social networking and new media. Avoid arrogance and ageism by assuming anyone over 40 has no clue what social networking sites are. Offer your view on the subject as a member of the young demographic, not as the only person at the table whose opinion counts.<br /><br />Earn respect<br />Thom, a 25 year-old who asked to remain anonymous, recalls his first job in marketing at 18. Not only was he the youngest member of the team, but he was also the only one without a college education.<br /><br />"I felt that I had to work twice as hard to prove that I actually deserved to be there. It meant that I was the first one in, last one out and had to be more reliable than anyone else in the office," he remembers. "It likely didn't make me popular, but each time the boss had to make sure something got done right and chose me, it made me just a little bit more invincible."<br /><br />Put in the effort<br />Learn from Thom's dedication. You might not become the office darling in a day, but good work will earn you the reputation of a dependable and hard worker. Keith Pillow, vice president of public relations firm Abelson Group, offers the following advice to young professionals trying to fit in:<br /><br />· Communicate like a professional<br />Speak clearly, intelligently and authoritatively, Pillow suggests. "Make sure to consistently use standard business and workplace vocabulary, not buzzwords or clichés."<br /><br />· Participate in problem-solving and brainstorming<br />"Take steps to consistently offer fresh ideas, perspectives and solutions that can resolve specific problems or situations," Pillow recommends. "[These ideas] prove that the young associates are experienced, insightful and initiative takers."<br /><br />· Dress the part<br />"There is no way a supervisor or senior executive will take an employee seriously if he or she is not attired appropriately," Pillow warns. "Revealing or casual attire indicates a lack of respect -- for oneself and for the organization -- and a lack of judgment, neither of which will get an employee anywhere."<br /><br />· Be respectful<br />"Follow the golden rule," Pillow advises. Treat your colleagues like you want to be treated.<br /><br />By Anthony Balderrama writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.<br /></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a> </div>

When You're the Youngest Person on the Team

If ever your parents were so cruel as to drag you to a dinner party during your childhood, you probably remember the inescapable discomfort....

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Day 20: Eating more, moving less

Guess what? I've proven the theory that eating more and exercising less doesn't work! I said I wasn't Einstein, I wasn't kidding.<br /><br />I got on the scales this morning, as I do every morning, and I'm up two more pounds. Now I'm 164. Six pounds in almost two weeks. I am NOT calm. I am FREAKED out about this. WTF?<br /><br />I know exactly what happened. I relaxed a little, eased up on how much I was eating and cut back on my workouts a little. I decreased my gym time from 90 minutes to 60 minutes. Oddly, I've seemed hungrier lately since working out less.<br /><br />So, the insanity is back. Back to my 90-minute workouts, which I don't really mind. I kind of enjoy them. The hard part is the eating less. I love food, especially in quantity. I need to re-evaluate what I'm eating and how much. I need to journal everything, all day, not just 3/4 of the day. Maybe change things around a little.<br /><br />I'm back at it! Eating LESS and moving MORE is the correct formula for weight loss. I had it backwards.<br /><br />Diana<br />164.0<br /><br />My new favorite P!nk song - Glitter in the Air<br /><br /><object height="285" width="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kQ0zhsvhynw&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kQ0zhsvhynw&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="340" height="285"></embed></object>

Day 20: Eating more, moving less

Guess what? I've proven the theory that eating more and exercising less doesn't work! I said I wasn't Einstein, I wasn't kid...

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Five Ideas to Cut the Cost of Your Commute

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/q9/ar5f3cp731lctnkpnpq9.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/q9/ar5f3cp731lctnkpnpq9.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>How much did it cost to fill your tank of gas last time? Chances are it was more than you'd like to spend. As gasoline prices continue to burden customers, many workers are changing their commuting habits. In fact, 44 percent of professionals surveyed by Robert Half International said higher gas prices have affected their commutes, up from 34 percent two years ago.<br /><br />Thankfully, many employers have launched initiatives to help their staff cope with high gas prices. According to workers polled by Robert Half, the most common benefits companies are implementing are increased mileage reimbursement for travel, ride-sharing or vanpooling programs, and telecommuting.<br /><br />Here are five ways you can combat the rising costs of commuting:<br /><br />1. Make 'travel buddies'<br />If you know of other people at your company who live nearby, consider arranging a carpool schedule. You'll not only save on gas money but also have the opportunity to get to know your co-workers better during the drive to and from the office. Camaraderie with co-workers may even have a positive impact on your work performance: Nearly two-thirds of workers polled by Robert Half said that office productivity improves when colleagues are friends outside the office. With more than one person in the car, you'll also be able to take advantage of high-occupancy vehicle lanes and, in some cases, bypass road tolls, saving you time and money.<br /><br />2. 'Tap internal resources'<br />Many companies have programs to ease their employees' commutes, such as discounts on public transportation, free shuttles and ride-share programs. You may not be aware of every initiative your firm offers. Let your manager know you're interested in programs that could help. Your supervisor might be able to offer suggestions, like working from an office closer to home.<br /><br />3. 'Spread the word'<br />If you've identified gas-saving strategies -- either those you use or those you've heard about from others -- offer to compile the information and share it with your group. You might schedule a short brown-bag meeting where you can present your findings and discuss other best practices in a casual setting. Doing so will help your co-workers with their commuting costs and demonstrate initiative.<br /><br />4. 'Evaluate a compressed workweek'<br />A compressed workweek -- in which you work four 10-hour days rather than five eight-hour days -- may be an option to consider, depending on your job. Many government employees around the country, for instance, are being given this choice by their employers. If a compressed workweek is offered by your firm, keep in mind that this arrangement may only be successful if your manager and co-workers can reach you on your day off. For instance, if deadlines frequently fall on Fridays -- the day you typically don't work -- you may need to be available should your team have questions regarding a certain project.<br /><br />5. 'Make a case for telecommuting'<br />If you'd like to work remotely, you'll need to show how the arrangement is not only good for you but also for the business. Start by contacting your human resources department or consulting the employee manual to determine whether your company has a telecommuting program in place. If one exists, you can build your proposal on actual policies. Also cite any personal characteristics, such as a history of dependability and excellent organizational skills, that could help make your case. If your firm has no formal policy concerning telecommuting, tap your professional network to identify people who have worked remotely and ask them what steps they took to secure the arrangement.<br /><br />You can't control gas prices, but there may be actions you can take to cut the cost of your commute. A simple change could save you money and improve your on-the-job satisfaction.<br /><br />Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices throughout North America, South America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com.<br /></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a> </div>

Five Ideas to Cut the Cost of Your Commute

How much did it cost to fill your tank of gas last time? Chances are it was more than you'd like to spend. As gasoline prices continue t...

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Are You the Oldest Worker On the Team? - Are You the Oldest Worker On the Team?

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/0z/ar5c5fj6nwqr08hqlm0z.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/0z/ar5c5fj6nwqr08hqlm0z.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>When Stephanie Elsy, 50, worked for a small organization where her boss and three co-workers were all younger than she, she had an epiphany.<br /><br />"I had an 'OMG' moment when I realized that my co-worker was 22 and I was 50," she says. "I could have had a child in my mid-20s who would be older than she was!"<br /><br />That was the first time Elsy really thought about the age differences between herself and her colleagues; it wasn't the last time, either. Today, she works as an accountant for Pop Labs, a digital media agency, where her boss (and owner of the company) is 38.<br /><br />Unsurprisingly, Elsy is not the only baby boomer in today's work force who faces the issue of working with younger people. For the first time in history, there are four different generations working side-by-side in the workplace. Each one has its own attitudes, perceptions and values, which sometimes make it challenging for older workers to adapt.<br /><br />Challenges older workers face<br /><br />What seems to be the No. 1 obstacle baby boomers face when working with younger co-workers? Experts agree that it's got a lot to do with self-esteem.<br /><br />"It's hard on the ego for baby boomers to have a younger boss," says Christine Hassler, a life coach, professional speaker and author. "Their parents taught them that seniority comes with age ... having to answer to a younger boss goes against the model they subscribed to. Not only are boomers often embarrassed and angry that they are answering to someone their child's age, they do not know how to relate to or connect with their boss and/or co-workers, which only makes them feel more separate."<br /><br />Another hindrance separating boomers from younger generations is their tendency to believe that they have all the answers, says Rolfe Carawan, founder and CEO of Carawan Global Communications and Consulting. They want to tell people how to do something rather than ask someone how.<br /><br />Beverly Mahone, 51, faced similar struggles when a woman 10 years her junior (and with no experience), was chosen for a news assignment manager position over Mahone, who had 20 years experience.<br /><br />"She relied heavily on me to help her. She called me 'ma'am' all the time," Mahone recounts. "I didn't appreciate her lack of experience and the fact that she was getting paid nearly twice my salary. She had no clear-cut system in place on how she wanted things run."<br /><br />Mahone, who now owns her own media consulting firm, eventually left the corporate world in part due to the fact that she disliked working for younger supervisors.<br /><br />Frank Ricketts, 57, says he thinks the biggest challenge with working alongside younger people is their sense of urgency. Currently the second-oldest employee at his company, Ricketts has been the vice president of Colour, a Canada-based advertising and PR agency, since 1993. His immediate boss -- the president -- joined the company five years ago and is 16 years younger than he.<br /><br />"We are not taking the time to sit and reflect on the solution to determine if it is the best [for our client]," he says. "Younger people are always looking at the next challenge before finishing the current one, resisting and sulking when their ideas are not gleefully accepted."<br /><br />Benefits to working with youth<br /><br />Despite all the challenges boomers face as a result of having a younger boss, it's important for them to learn how to deal with and accept it. As a result of more boomers staying in the work force while millions of Generation Y enter it, the chances of boomers having a younger boss are increasing.<br /><br />"Unless you are immortal, the reality of having to hand over the reins to the next generation is, in a word, inevitable," says Jason Seiden, a management consultant and author.<br /><br />Armed with this information, boomers must learn to appreciate, rather than negatively judge, younger generations.<br /><br />Susan Hawkins, 60, learned to embrace younger co-workers a long time ago. Her last three bosses have all been younger than she, by as many as 25 years. In her current position as a senior copywriter for The Shops at 24Seven, an e-commerce company, Hawkins is older than her department director, the CEO and the president.<br /><br />"Age doesn't seem to be an issue; I was hired because I'm good at what I do," she says. "I benefit from working with younger people ... they keep you young! They keep you tuned into today's world and the latest technology. I love the fact that I'm learning so much about how the Internet works, especially where business is concerned. There's really nothing I dislike about working for a younger boss."<br /><br />Sandi Grimm, 55, has been the marketing director for YouthFriends, a nonprofit organization, for more than nine years. Her boss, who started just two years ago, is 37. Grimm says she respects her younger boss and the different skill set she brings to the company.<br /><br />"It's fun to look at things from her perspective ... it keeps me open-minded. I also think she respects my experience and maturity," Grimm says.<br /><br />Here are 10 tips that will help you effectively deal with working in a younger work environment:<br />1. Recognize that an important factor in managing any relationship is understanding the other person's point of view. If your boss is from another generation, you may have differing opinions on many things, says Barbara Safani, owner of Career Solvers, a career management firm. Observe his behavior to better understand what influences his management style and how you can complement it.<br /><br />2. Don't assume traditional boss behaviors. If you get that weekend phone call, don't immediately assume it's a power trip, Seiden says. Younger workers don't all put the same kinds of boundaries on work and personal time as you might have. They can be segmented, but those segmentations don't always fit a traditional schedule.<br /><br />3. Never let 'em see you sweat. No matter how unhappy you are with your new, younger boss, don't show it because you could become expendable for another "younger" employee. If you're that unhappy, start making plans to make your exit, Mahone advises.<br /><br />4. Keep an open mind. Don't assume that because they are younger, they don't know what they are doing, Grimm says. We all have different skill sets. No one is good at everything.<br /><br />5. You have to want to learn new things and look at things differently. You'll want to do some hanging out with the kids to enjoy what they enjoy. Otherwise, they'll just see you as a fuddy-duddy and you'll be irritated by the boss and his newfangled ideas, Elsy says.<br /><br />6. Use your experience to temper any potential insecurity about having a younger boss. You've got perspective they don't yet have, which benefits both of you, says Sam Spear, owner of Gogh Advertising.<br /><br />7. Help a brother out. Your boss is more nervous about this relationship than you, Seiden says. Help your boss find his footing, and he is likely to return the favor by giving you the autonomy you want and by including you on decisions.<br /><br />8. Listen! Call it the hubris of youth or just the natural outcome of the self-esteem curriculum, but younger workers are deeply committed to collaboration and want to be included on decisions and strategies, Carawan says. If you want to bridge the gaps, show them you're willing to invest, improve and understand.<br /><br />9. Spend time with them one on one. Take some time to get to know your boss and find out what she thinks, Ricketts says. You'll usually come back richer for it.<br /><br />10. Be the employee your boss does not have to manage. Bosses spend a lot of time managing younger employees who are just beginning to learn prioritization and time management, Hassler says. Be the employee that your boss does not have to manage by taking initiative. If you are an employee whom your boss does not have to think about, he will begin to notice and appreciate your experience and wisdom.<br /><br />Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.<br /></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a> </div>

Are You the Oldest Worker On the Team? - Are You the Oldest Worker On the Team?

When Stephanie Elsy, 50, worked for a small organization where her boss and three co-workers were all younger than she, she had an epiphany....

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How to Get Credit for Your Ideas at Work

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/mg/ar5f74f77wrc3d6s87mg.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/mg/ar5f74f77wrc3d6s87mg.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>You are at a meeting to discuss ideas for implementing a new program in your company. After some discussion, you tentatively throw out an idea. It is ignored.<br /><br />Ten minutes later, one of your co-workers says "Hey, here's an idea ..." and restates your suggestion almost word for word. This time, "your" idea is met with a chorus of "Great idea!" from your colleagues.<br /><br />If this has ever happened to you, you are not alone.<br /><br />Sonia Herasymowych, Ph.D., a consultant on mental diversity, says one reason ideas are sometimes not acknowledged the first time they're stated is because of differences in thinking styles.<br /><br />Right-brained thinkers tend to be intuitive. They may jump to a conclusion and express it before their left-brained colleagues have arrived at the same conclusion. It is only after the discussion has logically led to the idea that it is likely to be embraced by the left-brained thinkers, Herasymowych says.<br /><br />Whether or not you get credit for your ideas depends not only on when they are communicated, but on how they are communicated. Here are some communication techniques to help you get credit for your ideas.<br /><br />1. Communicate with confidence<br />In her book "Talking From 9 to 5," Deborah Tannen reports that employees who get heard at meetings tend to be those who speak more directly, loudly and at greater length than their co-workers.<br /><br />Says Tannen, "Many people try to avoid seeming presumptuous by prefacing their statements with a disclaimer such as, 'I don't know if this will work, but ...' or 'You've probably already thought of this, but ...'" However, such disclaimers may result in the rest of the message being ignored.<br /><br />"Women are often conditioned not to brag about their accomplishments while men are trained to do exactly that," says Sandra Beckwith, author of "Why Can't a Man Be More Like a Woman?" "I advise women to mimic male confidence when presenting their ideas so they are more likely to be heard and get the appropriate credit."<br /><br />"Be assertive when putting an idea forth," says Pamela J. Holland, co-author of "Help! Was That a Career Limiting Move?" "If you float something out at a meeting, but do so without conviction -- even if it's brilliant -- there's a chance that it will be overlooked or maybe even jumped on by someone else who recognizes its value and quickly takes it on as their own."<br /><br />2. Tell your boss<br />Andrea Kay, author of "Life's a Bitch and Then You Change Careers," says, "Make a point to let your boss know about your achievements and worthy ideas. Don't assume he or she will notice. Bosses are too busy with their own problems. If you've got an idea on how to improve a process, project or relationship, increase sales or save the day, speak up.<br /><br />"If you can't get face time with your boss, write it down," Kay says. "If it's via e-mail, put in the subject line: 'How to save the Turner account' or 'How to save $50,000 on training costs.'"<br /><br />3. Get support from others<br />"If you have a great idea, market it internally and discuss it with multiple people, which allows you to take ownership of your ideas and prevents others from appropriating them as their own," recommends Peter Handal, president and CEO of Dale Carnegie Training.<br /><br />"However, give credit where it's due and if you share the idea with someone and they come up with another idea that enhances yours, prepare to market it as a joint idea," adds Handal.<br /><br />4. Set the record straight<br />If someone takes credit for your idea and you're in a competitive workplace, you may need to set the record straight. Beckwith advises, "Write a memo after the fact that makes it clear where the idea came from -- 'I'm glad to see that Bob liked my idea, which was to...'"<br /><br />In other workplaces, it may be better to let it go. Handal warns, "If you're working as part of a team, aggressively taking credit for your ideas can make you look like an insecure egomaniac."<br /><br />5. Get something better than credit<br />What if it's your boss who takes credit for something you've come up with?<br /><br />"If your boss takes the credit, they owe you one," says Ted Sun, Ph.D., executive coach and author of "Secrets of Biz Success."<br /><br />"Don't lose sight of the fact that your No. 1 most important job is to support your manager and make him or her look good," Holland says. "If that means letting this person take credit for what you've done, so be it. The rewards you reap behind the scenes in terms of your performance appraisal, career support, etc., should offset it, provided you work for a manager whom you trust and who shows respect and consideration for you in other ways."<br /><br />If your boss routinely takes credit for your ideas without rewarding you, it may be time to look for a new job. But Steven L. Katz, author of "Lion Taming: Working Successfully with Leaders, Bosses, and Other Tough Customers," has a different point of view.<br /><br />"When it comes to bosses, clients and others who you want to engage in your ideas, the critical test of the value of an idea is if they do make it their own," Katz says. "Better than credit, what you really want in an organization is influence!"<br /><br />By Tag Goulet co-founder of FabJob.com, a publisher of career guides offering step-by-step advice for breaking into a variety of dream careers. Visit www.FabJob.com to subscribe to the free career newsletter.<br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"><br />Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a> </div>

How to Get Credit for Your Ideas at Work

You are at a meeting to discuss ideas for implementing a new program in your company. After some discussion, you tentatively throw out an id...

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What a 4-Year-Old Can Teach You About Managing Your Boss

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/bx/ar5f7895xtqmwhp5v5bx.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/bx/ar5f7895xtqmwhp5v5bx.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>I had a revelation last week: My 4-year-old daughter is gifted at managing up.<br /><br />Does she work? No -- but as I see it, right now, I'm the boss and she's an employee in our family firm. And I've noticed that she's become quite adept at getting what she wants from upper management.<br /><br />Please know, I'm no pushover. I stand my ground on the important issues like "No popsicles for breakfast" and "Socks are not optional when it's 2 degrees outside." But on the fuzzier stuff, I must concede that she's mastered the art of persuasion.<br /><br />So, it occurred to me that we could all learn from her expertise. Consider these three techniques as performed by my pint-sized employee:<br /><br />1. Learn how to say "no" disarmingly<br />When my daughter doesn't want to do something, she stares deeply in my eyes and with an "I'm so sorry to disappoint you" smile and calmly says, "No thank you." It throws me off every time.<br /><br />First, the thank-you is so polite, who can criticize that? Second, her body language and facial expressions are soft and nonconfrontational. It's hard to respond negatively to someone who is displaying no anger or tension of their own.<br /><br />Translation: Employees who learn to engage in conflict without confrontation are appreciated for their calm communications skills by management.<br /><br />2. When you want something, be a sweet but squeaky wheel<br />Once my daughter has decided she wants something, here's what she does: First, she asks for your time and tells you it's serious. She sits right down and holds your attention with her eyes. Then, she explains in detail what she wants and why it is so important that she have it. She is energetic and passionate in her description.<br /><br />If she doesn't get it, she asks why. And if she doesn't like the answer, she says no more and walks away.<br /><br />But that's not the end of it.<br /><br />Shortly thereafter, she returns, having thoughtfully pondered my denial and ready to further explain additional reasons for me to change my mind, as well as reasons why my own argument doesn't hold water. Additionally, if I say "no" yet again, she solemnly walks away, waits awhile, and then comes back again and asks for the same thing in a slightly different way, hoping her willingness to compromise will pay off.<br /><br />At this point, she watches me intently for signs that I am going to either A) cave in and let her win, or B) start to raise my voice and get angry. If it's the latter, she immediately calls it quits -- for the day.<br /><br />She knows just how far to rock the boat and has no problem waiting for a better time to try again. She doesn't hold a grudge, she stays happy and upbeat, as if nothing has happened. In her mind, it's a minor setback, as opposed to a crushing loss.<br /><br />This approach always makes me want to be able to say "yes" to her next request because I'm so impressed that she accepted the "no" without making a scene.<br /><br />Translation: Employees who patiently promote their cause and can accept an unfavorable decision gracefully are respected and valued by management.<br /><br />3. Use unexpected recognition as a way to score points<br />My daughter doesn't butter me up. She doesn't gush with compliments in an effort to get what she wants. But every so often, quite randomly, she will say or do something that makes me feel fabulous.<br /><br />One day, when I was especially frustrated and feeling overwhelmed by all that I had to do, she looked at me with a compassionate face and simply said, "It must be tough to be a mommy."<br /><br />Ironically, it's technically not even a compliment. She didn't have to lie and say she thought I was a great mommy. I wouldn't expect her to. I'm the rule enforcer -- who likes that? But, she acknowledged the difficulty of my role and that recognition felt wonderful. So much so, that I canceled an appointment and took her out for ice cream.<br /><br />Translation: Employees who convey their respect and appreciation for the level of responsibility and efforts of management are seen as good team players.<br /><br /><br />These are just a few of the ways that my 4-year-old manages her boss. Why not try them? With a little practice, you could be managing up with the finesse of a pre-schooler while reaping the rewards bestowed to wise employees.<br /><br />By JT O'Donnell nationally syndicated workplace columnist and author of the book "Careerealism: The Smart Approach to a Satisfying Career."<br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a> </div>

What a 4-Year-Old Can Teach You About Managing Your Boss

I had a revelation last week: My 4-year-old daughter is gifted at managing up. Does she work? No -- but as I see it, right now, I'm the ...

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How Work is Like Peanut Butter

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/p4/ar5d6n3658s7tvpk7dp4.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/p4/ar5d6n3658s7tvpk7dp4.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>Feel like you always fall out of love with your jobs? Does this sound familiar?<br /><br />"In the beginning, I couldn't wait to get to the office. I loved the company, my boss, my peers and my job. Then, the excitement started to go away and I realized that it was all in my mind. The job I fell in love with is just like every other job I've had: It's repetitive, tedious and long. I end up feeling like a failure because I can't find a job that makes me happy."<br /><br />If you can relate to this scenario, let me share a secret: Work is like peanut butter.<br /><br />Phase one: The introduction<br /><br />Think back to when you were first introduced to peanut butter. You were most likely a kid, who had tasted only healthy foods that were dull but good for you, like fruits, veggies, toast and crackers.<br /><br />One day, someone put a sandwich in front of you and said, "Try this." You took a bite and your taste buds went nuts for the sweet candylike treat that was easy to chew and full of yummy flavor. Your little brain probably said, "Is this a mistake? Do they know what I'm eating?" At which point, you immediately thought, "I better show them I like this," and you wolfed it down.<br /><br />The same thing happens when you go on an interview and like what you see and hear. Your brain gets really excited with the possibility of something new and delicious entering your life on a regular basis. You do whatever it takes to land the job, and then you celebrate like a 4-year-old when you get the offer letter. But let's return to our story.<br /><br />The grown-up who gave you the sandwich is so impressed with the way you devoured it, you're told you can have it again. You opt to have it every day. If you could, you'd eat it for breakfast, lunch AND dinner.<br /><br />Phase two: Boredom sets in<br /><br />One day, you realize that peanut butter is a bit boring. It doesn't have the same appeal it did when you first tasted it, but now, it's been added to the "healthy foods" list and you're told you HAVE to eat it. The very thing that you were craving just a few weeks earlier is now something you loathe. You're given some new variations -- jelly, Fluff, no-crust, on celery with raisins. The presentation is altered, but it doesn't change the fact that you are really tired of peanut butter.<br /><br />The same thing happens when you realize that your job is actually work; it's something you must do. You've agreed to do the job, so you need to show up and complete the work, whether you feel like it or not.<br /><br />You try to liven up the job by taking on different assignments or learning a new skill, but it still doesn't change the fact that you must do this job. Perhaps you call in sick for a mental health day or plan a vacation. Yet, you still have to return to the job at some point. So how do you fix your aversion to work? Let's see how the peanut butter story turns out.<br /><br />Phase three: Hatred is evident<br /><br />You became so sick of peanut butter that you announce, "I hate peanut butter." You are given some other foods to try. First, you get liverwurst. You gag and ask for carrots. The next day, you get tuna; you won't even try it. On the third day, you are offered egg salad. You immediately ask to go to your room and skip eating altogether.<br /><br />Phase four: Pleased to see you again<br /><br />On the fourth day, peanut butter is set down in front of you, and you are actually pleased. There is your trusted friend, the food you can count on to appease your hunger without making you nauseous. You eat it and think, "Ahh, peanut butter, you are not so bad." You go on to develop a strong bond with a food that you know is not ideal, but reliable. You accept it for what it is and what it can do for you. You are satisfied.<br /><br />Work is no different. You could go to your boss and let her know you are looking to feel more challenged but, if you can't be specific as to what you need and what you want to do, you'll most likely be given more work that you don't love.<br /><br />Meanwhile, your boss may get upset that you aren't grateful for the efforts to help you and could resent your attitude -- especially if you say you don't want the extra work anymore and will just stick with the job you said wasn't working for you in the first place. I guarantee she'll assume you are looking to leave and will no longer want to invest time and energy into your professional development.<br /><br />If you can work through the phase where you loathe the repetitive, unexciting nature of your job and recognize that the skills and experience you are acquiring are enabling you to do a good job without a lot of pressure or stress, perhaps you'll finally give your job a break and stop expecting so much from it. Your work is not always going to make you feel amazing and wonderful.<br /><br />In times when you aren't "feeling the love," try to appreciate your job for what it does give you: a steady paycheck, benefits, a place to learn and build your skill sets so you'll always be employable, or the opportunity to build professional friendships that could help in the future. You could end up feeling a lot better about work in general.<br /><br />Now that you understand how work is like peanut butter, why not take a peanut butter sandwich to your job tomorrow and be grateful for what they both provide -- sustenance.<br /><br />J.T. O'Donnell is a nationally syndicated workplace columnist and author of the book "Careerealism: The Smart Approach to a Satisfying Career."<br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a> </div>

How Work is Like Peanut Butter

Feel like you always fall out of love with your jobs? Does this sound familiar? "In the beginning, I couldn't wait to get to the of...

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The Résumé Black Hole - Does it really exist? How can I avoid it?

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/kz/ar5c82w763x85rvf0skz.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/kz/ar5c82w763x85rvf0skz.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>Many job seekers today will tell you that the most frustrating part of the job search is after they hit "send" and their résumés are sent out into application oblivion -- never to be seen again.<br /><br />It's the common perception of the résumé black hole -- a place where, instead of stars and planets, résumés and cover letters are just floating around, waiting to get sucked back to Earth and into a hiring manager's hands.<br /><br />Matthew McMahon, partner at McMahon Partners LLC, an executive search firm, says the ease of online job boards is a double-edged sword for candidates. While they can see what's available and apply to what interests them, the little time and monetary cost also causes them to apply to anything and everything.<br /><br />"The resulting volume ensures that some candidates might be lost in the shuffle. If a recruiter posts an attractive job, she might get a few hundred responses. There's a chance that the recruiter won't get through every response," McMahon says.<br /><br />So what happens to your application materials when you apply for a job online? Who sees your résumé? More importantly, who doesn't? Why can't someone acknowledge your application? And, most importantly, what can you do to ensure that your résumé doesn't fall into cyberspace?<br /><br />McMahon and Caitrin O'Sullivan, public relations coordinator at iCIMS, a leading software-as-a-service provider, answer all of your burning résumé black-hole questions.<br /><br />Does a black hole really exist?<br />McMahon: It depends entirely on the company. The main culprits, in my opinion, are volume and the abilities of the people who read your résumé. Usually the résumé goes to a gatekeeper of some sort, typically someone within HR. If the gatekeeper is experienced with the field for which she is recruiting, she'll have an idea what she is looking for. The danger in this process, however, exists when one person has to screen résumés for too many departments. There just isn't a way for that person to speak every language they need to. That person will usually rely solely on keywords and will miss things.<br /><br />For example, we had a client that had a fully automated applicant-tracking system (ATS). Candidates would submit a résumé to a posting and the ATS would import it automatically to the database. Internal recruiters would then mine the database against current openings using keyword searches. What that meant, ultimately, was that there was no guarantee that submitted résumés would be viewed by a human at any point.<br /><br />Where do résumés go after I hit send?<br />O'Sullivan: Large, enterprise-sized organizations may be receiving hundreds of applications per day, which virtually no one could manually acknowledge one by one with individualized e-mails. There is a plethora of applicant-tracking systems available today. The majority of these ATS come equipped with comprehensive candidate relationship management tools. These CRM tools enable automated messages to be sent to all candidates alerting them of their status within the review process and also acknowledging receipt of the application or résumé. This eliminates the "black-hole effect" of the job-seeking process. Assuming an organization is leveraging an ATS, a candidate's résumé and job application should automatically be stored in a central database with an individual candidate profile.<br /><br />Please describe an ATS system<br />O'Sullivan: An applicant-tracking system is a software application designed to help organizations recruit employees more efficiently. Its primary function is to automate and streamline the recruitment process. It can also be leveraged for such tasks as posting job openings to corporate Web sites and job boards, screening and ranking résumés, or generating mass communication, such as rejection notices or interview requests to candidates. ATS also provides the ability to track applicant statuses per job and enables users to streamline and automate application tracking with online employment applications, electronic candidate and recruiting forms, and configurable applicant flow reports and metrics.<br /><br />Résumés that are "accepted" through an ATS go into the same place as résumés that are rejected; it's just that different actions are taken on them. Résumés that do not meet requirements are denoted as part of the group that will receive rejection letters; applicants that are deemed an appropriate fit will be designated to a group that will receive an automated message alerting them of their status and scheduling an appointment, whether it is phone or first- or second- round interviews. Many organizations even go directly to these résumés that were at one point rejected to fill other positions that might be a better match.<br /><br />Why don't hiring managers and recruiters let applicants know their application was received?<br />O'Sullivan: If an organization, especially a medium or large one, were not leveraging an applicant-tracking system, it's difficult for job seekers to understand the magnitude of applications flooding recruiters/HR managers' desks, especially during a period of high unemployment. Just visually scanning through all of these résumés can take hours upon hours of manpower. To have to communicate with every one of those applicants on top of that would be a truly formidable task.<br /><br />What are five ways a job seeker can avoid the "black hole"?<br />1. Don't apply to jobs for which you are not qualified and don't send résumés to the same recruiter over and over again. "Recruiters are doing this for their livelihood. If they have your résumé and think that there is a chance that you'll get hired for one of their jobs, they'll respond -- usually right away," McMahon says.<br /><br />2. Customize your résumé. "Read the description and take your best guess at what the employer is seeking. Move relevant experience to the top of each section of your résumé. Use clear language that mirrors the language in the 'qualifications' section of the posting," McMahon says.<br /><br />3. Use your cover e-mail to address obvious disqualifiers. "Make it hard for the screener to disregard you. If you're in Florida and the job is in Alaska, mention that you went to school in Alaska and yearn to return," McMahon says. "Better yet, put the address of your aunt in Juneau on the résumé and mention that you are moving there in three weeks."<br /><br />4. Keywords, keywords, keywords. "We can't say this enough. You have to tailor your résumé to each job description. Using the same keywords and phrases used in a job description, and repeating them as frequently as possible in your résumé -- while remaining logical -- will make the ATS rank you as a higher and better match for this job," O'Sullivan says. "Many ATS weigh more heavily when those keywords appear at the top of your résumé, because it indicates you're currently or very recently enacting those key terms."<br /><br />5. Keep it simple. "Don't include graphics, logos or pictures. Also, don't try to get fancy with text boxes, headers or footers. While résumé-parsing tools are a great resource and save hours upon hours of manual data entry, they can't always parse text boxes, headers or footers with 100 percent accuracy," O'Sullivan says. "It's best to avoid the risk and leave out these features altogether. Furthermore, almost all ATS will strip down résumés into their most basic format, text only. So don't stress over font or color -- it ultimately doesn't matter."<br /><br />By Rachel Zupek writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ. </div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"> </span></strong></div>

The Résumé Black Hole - Does it really exist? How can I avoid it?

Many job seekers today will tell you that the most frustrating part of the job search is after they hit "send" and their résumés a...

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Maybe I'm gay?

Well, maybe I'm not but apparently my taste in music is gay. I don't go to a lot of concerts, but the last three in the last couple of years, Cher, Abba Re-Bjorn and now P!NK, all have huge gay followings. Absolutely nothing wrong with that, in fact, makes things interesting.<br /><br />The P!NK concert was fantastic! I give it an A+++++. The concert was sold out, with over 16,000 people attending. They originally had it at a smaller venue but moved it ten days before the concert because so many people wanted to attend and couldn't get tickets.<br /><br />P!NK rocked it, and I mean rocked it. I had read a review of her Funhouse tour in Europe and Australia (same tour here), that if you liked her before the concert you'd walk out afterwards loving her. That's what happened to my husband. He was kind of lukewarm about her, even though I loved her. After the concert, he loved her and I loved her even more. <br /><br />There's just something about her, not only is she a really good singer with an incredible voice, singing great songs and a great performer, but she's funny, nice yet spunky. You just can't help but like her. <br /><br />The audience was extremely enthusiastic. We stood up for most of it and danced to the music. Everyone was standing up. <br /><br />The crowd was very interesting. A lot of gay women and gay men. In front of us were two beautiful women, who were making out during the concert, in between songs. They were very attentive to each other and so pretty, it was, well, interesting? Certainly not boring. <br /><br />Next to me were two women who talked to my husband while I went to get us drinks. The one woman told him that she and her partner heard P!NK was in Seattle and bought tickets that day and flew in from being on vacation.<br /><br />A lot of gay guys too, some dressed up as girls. One guy cracked me up. I wish I had taken a picture of him. He had a big red beard, and was wearing a short, little plaid dress, a strange hat with a feather in it, knee high plaid socks and really tall platform shoes. Everything was in shades of pink. <br /><br />The opening act, the Ting Tings, was awesome too. My husband had never heard them before and he even said he really liked them. I have their songs on my iPod for working out. They're alternative rock and really fun. I loved them.<br /><br />It was a really fun concert. It's a must see.

Maybe I'm gay?

Well, maybe I'm not but apparently my taste in music is gay. I don't go to a lot of concerts, but the last three in the last couple ...

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10 Ways Your Resume Irks Hiring Managers

Fashion designer Coco Chanel had a personal rule: Before she left the house, the style icon always removed one piece of her ensemble to avoid the faux-pas of wearing too many accessories. Were Chanel alive today and working as a hiring manager, she would likely offer similar advice to job seekers: You don't have to include everything.<br /><br />Job seekers do themselves a disservice when they send out resumes with more information than they need. Most employers don't have the time or patience to sift through the irrelevant details. Here are 10 things your resume could do without:<br /><br />1. Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors.<br />"If you are careless enough to send out this most important document with a mistake... I immediately assume you'll never care enough about the work you send out representing my company," says Jose Bandujo, president of New York-based Bandujo Advertising. He recalls one candidate who misspelled Manhattan, despite having worked in the city for a decade and another whose great educational background didn't compensate for the fact that he couldn't spell "education."<br /><br />2. Opening objectives.<br />"These are generic... They do nothing to differentiate one candidate from another," says Donna Flagg, president of The Krysalis Group, a human resource and management consulting firm in New York.<br /><br />3. Personal attributes.<br />Listing personal information such as height, weight and age and providing photographs is a pet peeve for Heather Mayfield, vice president of training and operations for Snelling Staffing Services. "It is amazing that we still see this on the résumés of today, but they are out there."<br /><br />4. Interests and hobbies.<br />If these points of information don't pertain to the job in question, there's no need to include them. "Create a mystery and save these kinds of data points when you start the job," advises Roy Blitzer, author of "Hire Me, Inc.: Resumes and Cover Letters that Get Results."<br /><br />5. Details of every task you've ever performed in every job you've ever had.<br />"It's too much information. Managers and recruiters need to know at-a-glance what makes a candidate special," Flagg says. Focus on those details that pertain to the job for which you're applying.<br /><br />6. Excessive bragging.<br />Stating one's accomplishments can be helpful, but when it's overdone, the candidate can come across as narcissistic, a huge turnoff for employers, Flagg says.<br /><br />7. Outdated information.<br />Leave off the activities that you did in high school if graduation was a few years ago and omit jobs you held 10 or more years ago, as the information is probably irrelevant to the position you're trying for now.<br /><br />8. False information.<br />"Putting [that you have] a B.S. on a resume when you do not have one is 'BS,'" jokes Stephen Viscusi, author of "On the Job: How to Make it in the Real World of Work." Not only is lying on a resume unfair and dishonest, it's also not very intelligent. "Companies verify dates of employment -- often after you start. If you have lied, they fire you...Nobody wants to hire a liar. Nobody."<br /><br />9. Unexplained gaps in work history.<br />While job seekers should account for these gaps, they should be careful with their wording. "One of the weirdest things that I ever saw on a résumé... was a candidate who explained a 10-year lapse in work experience as being in jail during those years for killing her husband," recalls Linda Goodspeed, marketing recruiting manager at VistaPrint. In such a situation, she says, the best thing to write would be "left work for personal reasons," and the candidate would be able to explain the criminal record later.<br /><br />10. A lack of professionalism.<br />Colored paper, cutesy fonts, links to personal websites and childish e-mail addresses all scream unprofessional and are a turn off to hiring managers. One otherwise qualified applicant didn't get an interview at Bandujo's firm solely because of the name in her email address: "weird2themax." "I recognize the advertising industry is full of talented, interesting 'characters'," Bandujo says, "but did I really want one who thought she was weird to the max?" No, he decided, he did not.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a>

10 Ways Your Resume Irks Hiring Managers

Fashion designer Coco Chanel had a personal rule: Before she left the house, the style icon always removed one piece of her ensemble to avoi...

Read more »