The next time you’re having trouble picking yourself up after you’ve stumbled, stop for a moment and count your blessings. Focus on the thing you HAVE, not the things you DON”T have. Following is a list of people you have probably heard about and what they overcame to achieve enduring success. (more...)

What you focus on increases. I’m sure you already know this, but it bears repeating. Whatever you focus your attention on, over time will increase in your experience. Fear and worry is an excellent way of focusing to bring what you don’t want into your life. To attract what you do want check these 10 ways to keep fear and worry in perspective: (more...)

What is a Job Fair? The term “job fair” describes one or two day events where employers and job applicants can talk informally with each other. Job fairs can very widely in their value to the job seeker depending upon the scope of your preparation for the event. Not only can it be an opportunity to increase your knowledge about organizations, some employers screen job applicants on site, setting up interviews for the same day or later. (more...)

Before you put pen to paper, read the application all the way through before you begin filling it out. Many applications have instructions or comments you should be aware of on the last page. Beware of the Fine Print * In many cases, particularly large company forms, there are directions in fine print under some of the block heading such as “complete in your own handwriting”, “please print”, or “‘put last name first”. Care in following these directions is essential as it indicates to many employers your ability to read and follow instructions. (more...)

Let’s face it. It’s tough time to be looking for a job. The American economy has been growing for a long time, but is now taking a pause and will probably shrink for a period of time. None of us know how long the tough times will last, but we do know the effects on jobs have not been good so far. (more...)

While looking for a job you may be indignant about taking drug tests because you are not an illegal substance abuser. Drug tests are legal. Moreover, drug tests have been helpful in elimination potential substance abusers in some industries. Five to eight percent of the 15 million people who were tested last year tested positive. You can complain against the unfairness of drug testing if you wish, but it may be interpreted as uncooperative and even suspicious behavior. (more...)

It seems like every time you turn on the television or read the papers more companies are laying off more people. If you are sensitive like me, the bad news feels like someone punched you in the stomach. You feel sorry for the people who are losing their jobs and you grow even more concerned and worry about our economy and future. (more...)

It’s that time of year when you pop open the champagne, let your hair down and have some much deserved fun at the office party. There is nothing wrong with having a good time, but you need to remember that these are still your work colleagues and you need to be appropriate and very aware of your behavior. Back at work on Monday you don’t want to be the talk of the office for all the wrong reasons or stupid moves that could have a bad effect on your career. (more...)

I have been a Coach for over 20 years and I have found that for the most part people are bright, concerned, thick-skinned, hard-nosed and very busy. We are extremely talented at walking the fence line of no controversy. Our survival depends on it. And self-preservation is, after all a basic survival instinct. (more...)

Recently I heard someone say, "Communication is easy." I disagree. Talking is easy; communication, which means an exchange or communion with another, requires a much greater skill. An exchange that is a communion demands that we listen and speak skillfully, not just talk mindlessly. And interacting with fearful, angry, or frustrated people can be even more difficult, because we're less skillful when get caught up in such emotions. Yet don't despair or resign yourself to a lifetime of miscommunication at work or home! Good communicators can be trained as well as born. Here are a few tips to get you started. (more...)