This week, myself and a fellow HR writer put out a challenge to managers and employees across America.

The question is…

Do you know how to give a really, truly great compliment to someone at work you don’t like?

This challenge is designed to help people understand the difference between appreciation vs. compliments (read my article that describes the big difference between the two HERE), Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: Are we now to actively pursue both “networking” (face-to-face and personal meetings) as well as “Internet-working”? It almost seems like double work — if one is ultimately going to be invited in for interviews due to “knowing somebody who knows somebody,” then what is the value of spending time and energy at the keyboard? — Elizabeth Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m lost. I don’t like my job, and I can’t think of a single career I want to pursue. It’s tough to even get out of bed in the morning. Where do I find passion for work? — Evan Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I just heard about Twittering and think it is ridiculous. Who wants to know what a person is doing all day long? Have we become a narcissistic culture, or what? — Marshall Read the rest of this entry »

JT: I wrote a post today that explains why work is like peanut butter…can you relate?

Click here to read it…

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’ve been hearing a lot about the need for workers to develop their personal brand in order to get ahead professionally. I just graduated from college and have never really worked in a professional environment … so how can I possibly “brand” myself? — Seth Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I just graduated from college and have been on my new job for a month. I think I made a huge mistake! I’m really bored. I think I should look for a new job. — Kristi Read the rest of this entry »

JT: Many of you may not know that besides writing our column together, Dale also writes a column called the “Corporate Curmudgeon” which is carried in many well-known papers across the US. It’s actually how I came to know and respect Dale for his work. (It’s funny, readers often think we don’t like each other because of the way we banter in the column, but truthfully, I am very lucky to have such a great partner and we get along quite well - or so I believe? Hmm…maybe I should ask him.)

Given how many e-mails we’ve been getting lately from readers who feel they are being discriminated in their job search, I thought a recent column by Dale on the subject might inspire you all. Read this article to learn how an older, recovering alcoholic with a job-jumping past job was taught an innovative way to present himself to employers….CLICK HERE

Last week, a young professionals network I volunteer for, www.catapultseacoast.org, asked me if I had a quiz to help people determine how prepared they are to find career success and satisfaction. I do have such a quiz, but it occurred to me that I had never offered this to our readers. So, here it is!

The CAREEREALISM Career-readiness Quiz is available to take on-line for FREE. You don’t have to give your e-mail address or sign up for a thing - just answer the 24 questions with an honest ‘yes’ or ‘no’ and at the end you’ll get your score.

Times have changed in America. If you want to stay employable, you must, I repeat, you MUST, be up-to-date on how to market yourself effectively. And that begins with a lot of self-knowledge and focus that many people don’t take the time to acquire. When it comes to your career development and job search, are you working smarter or harder?!? This test will let you know where you rank in your ability to find a new, satisfying career.

Enjoy!

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’ve been interviewing, and I’m experiencing random changes in the nervousness factor. I could go to interview 1 and be a total nervous wreck, and then later that afternoon go to interview 2 and bring my A game, not once feeling any nervousness at all. What is that all about? — Sarah Read the rest of this entry »