Career Marketplace Blog

In her article for U.S. News and World Report,  Karen Burns explains, How to Use the Holidays to Boost Your Career.

Below is an excerpt from Burn’s article. Read Full Article

It may sound calculating to leverage the holiday season to your professional advantage, but it’s smart, too.

The holidays are primo networking time. Most people are in a more jovial, giving mood. Many workplaces slow down a little this time of year, so you may have more mental space to think about ways to polish your resume and even set up informational interviews. And the end of the year is a natural time to reevaluate, refocus, and think strategically about your future.

If you decide to take advantage of this golden opportunity, whether to advance in the job you already have or find a new one, here are a few guidelines:

Read On

Shine staff writer, Sarah McColl shows readers Low-risk ways to get a better job without jumping ship.

Below is an excerpt from McColl’s article. Read full article

With the job market the downer it is, there’s a certain amount of pressure to stay in your current position even if you’re not happy. But rather than fuming in your cubicle about your dissatisfaction, there are ways to empower yourself without sending out your resume. Here’s how to put out your feelers, amp up your skills, and meet the right people so when the time comes to move on, you’re more than ready.

GET SPECIFIC
The most low-risk way to think about your next career step is something you can even do at your desk: make a list. What is it about your job that you like? What aspects give you a sense of accomplishment? Which leave you feeling depleted? Are the hours great but the work soulless? Do you feel like you’re helping people but the pay barely covers your expenses? Like your co-workers but find you have to work individually more than you’d like? Get specific about where there’s room for improvement, so that when you see the qualities you’re looking for in the next position you’ll recognize them.

BUILD YOUR SKILL SET
Often employers will pay for or subsidize classes that will allow their employees to bring top-notch design, copy-editing or computer skills to the office. Think about certifications that might make you a more attractive candidate or certain skills you need to brush up on or areas where you could use some improvement (spreadsheets, anyone?). You’ll meet people in related fields, gain some extra confidence, and have a concrete skill set to add to your resume.

VOLUNTEER
Is there an organization doing great work that you’d love to be a part of? Start your work on a volunteer basis. You’ll get the inside scoop on job openings and first-hand insight into the inner-workings of the place. While you’re there, though, temporarily shelve your hopes of getting a job and focus on the work at hand. Ulterior motives can turn people off. Keep your eyes open and ears to the ground, be efficient and enthusiastic. Make a good impression. Even if a position doesn’t open up, you now have relevant experience to bring to a similar workplace and an extra recommendation in your pocket.

Read On

In her Wall Street Journal article, Employers Favor State Schools for Hires, Jennifer Merritt discusses a new Wall Street Journal survey showing U.S. companies are switching their focus to big state universities over elite private schools when hiring candidates.

Watch WSJ.com’s News Hub where Merritt discusses the results of this survey.

Read Merritt’s Article

In his article for the Wall Street Journal, Hobbies Help at the Job*, Dennis Nishi shows readers how their hobbies and/or volunteer work can lead to career success.

Benefits mentioned in this article:

• Explore job possibilities through volunteer work
• Gain valuable skills and work experience
• Have confidence to help with company projects.

*Click link to read full article

WSJ article, Making an Easy Re-Entry Into the Work Force*, Diana Middleton has helpful advice for job seekers returning to work after a layoff.

Middleton offers to following advice to ensure a smooth transition.

• “Pay attention to what skills seem most in demand”
• When your new co-workers ask about your work history – “simply tell them where you worked, explain that you got caught in a round of restructuring and that your job was one of many cut.”
• “Find out who the most influential people are in the office, and who can help get things done.”

*Click link to read full article

In her article for U.S. News  & World Report, Alison Green tells us, 6 Things to Do Before Your Internship Ends*. Green’s advice can help you end your assignment on a high note and gain valuable professional contacts.

Advice from this article include:

1. “Thank people”
2. “Ask your manager for feedback”
3. “Update your resume”
4. “Keep track of contacts so you can stay in touch”

*Click link to read full article

In honor of the holiday weekend, please enjoy classic interview clips courtesy of NBC’s hit comedy, The Office.

The Office Interview

In her Wall Street Journal article, Boom Times for Young Workers*, Jonnelle Marte reports, “many young professionals have been handed new responsibilities typically reserved for employees with more work experience under their belts”.

The article points out that young professionals should take advantage of this opportunity to develop their career at a more rapid pace.

Click the link above to learn how young professionals can benefit from added responsibility.

* Click link to read full article.

How can you stand out at work?

In his article for WorkAwesome.com, How to Win the Ground War at Work, Joseph Lewis explains how you can become more valuable in all aspects of your job.

Thoughts to take away from this article:
1) Become self sufficient
2) Be a go-to person
3) Manage your time well

These are just a few ways to become an asset in the workplace and could lead to promising opportunities in the future.

In her article for Forbes Magazine, Avril David writes about The Three Qualities You Need to Get Ahead at Work.

What are those qualities, you ask?   Competence, Attitude, and Potential or “CAP”.

David explains that an employee needs all three characteristics to rise within an organization. Those characteristics create value and make you stand out in a positive way.